The Collection of Captain Cutlass

Born in Hamilton, the late Bobby Shearer (1931-2006) started his senior football career with his local team, Hamilton Academical, before signing for Rangers Football Club in 1955. Years later, Shearer explained his sleepless weekend in advance of his signing meeting at Ibrox, and his excitement at signing for Rangers, emphasising that ‘To play for them was something akin to winning the treble chance!’

This would prove the start of an exciting decade with the club, which saw Shearer earn the nickname ‘Captain Cutlass’ due to his ‘combative’ playing style. During his ten years at Rangers, Shearer made over 400 appearances for the club, enjoying an incredible 165 games in succession. As part of one of the best sides in the club’s history, Shearer helped Rangers win five league titles, three Scottish Cups and four League Cups. Shearer led the Boys in Blue when they won the Treble in 1963/64, later describing being captain of the Rangers as ‘like having every schoolboy dream I ever had all rolled into one’.

Shearer is undoubtedly best known for his incredible performance with the Light Blues, and he will be remembered as a true Rangers legend, applauded by teammate John Greig for having ‘personified the Rangers spirit’. Beyond just the Boys in Blue, Shearer’s impressive career in football included four Scotland caps, as well as a spell at Queen of the South and managerial stints with Third Lanark and his home-team Hamilton Accies.

 This month sees medals from throughout Shearer’s career come to auction at McTear’s, comprising an impressive collection that speaks to the success of the star.

The collection includes medals from Shearer’s early days – including his medal from the Junior Cup Final at Wembley Stadium in 1949 – and spans across his triumphant time with Rangers, including medals from domestic competitions and even a European campaign. These will feature from lots 1931 to 1951 in the upcoming Sporting Medals & Trophies Auction, which will take place on 19 July. Kick off 2:30pm!

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Hannah Murphy

For a free no obligation auction valuation, please contact Hannah Murphy on 0141 810 2880, or email hannahmurphy@mctears.co.uk