Ex-West Brom and FA chairman Sir Bert's brooch sells at auction

An 18ct gold diamond England crest brooch that belonged to a former West Bromwich Albion and Football Association chairman has sold for more than £1,000.

The brooch, formerly owned by Sir Bert Millichip and Lady Barbara Millichip, was subject to a fierce bidding war during Fellows’ Fine Jewellery sale in Birmingham.

The stunning brooch, with 1996 hallmarks – the year Sir Bert retired from the Football Association – sold as Lot 275 on Thursday.

Against an estimate of £600 to £800, it went for a hammer price of £900, which rose to £1,202.40 including fees.

The brooch was brought to Fellows by Sally Simmonds, daughter of Sir Bert and Lady Millichip, and placed into its first flagship jewellery auction of the year.

Lady Millichip regularly wore the brooch, shaped like a shield, until she passed away in 2015.

The brooch also had markings of the famous three lions, which are symbolic of the England national football team.

Multiple bids were placed on the brooch, with an internet bidder eventually winning the item.

Sir Bert had a long career, spanning many decades working in football.

He became chairman of West Brom in 1974, before eventually going on to work for the FA.

Initially, he was councillor before becoming chairman of the FA, a post he held from 1981 to 1996.

Sir Bert was chairman of the FA throughout some of the most drastic changes in English football history, such as the introduction of the Premier League.

He was also heavily involved in the appointment of England managers, including Terry Venables.

Sir Bert, who died in 2002, received a knighthood for his services to the game in 1991.

Alex Duffy, Jewellery specialist from Fellows, said: “After an online stand-off between bidders, it was fantastic to see the brooch sell so well.

"It’s always a pleasure to be able to offer unusual and unique items such as this for auction, watching as the enthusiasts and collectors fight it out.

"With its interesting provenance and sporting connections, it’s unlikely we’ll see something quite like this come up again anytime soon.”