Brentford FC has been handed a treasure trove including some of the oldest items of Club memorabilia thought to still be in circulation.
A great grandson of Arthur Charlton, probably the Club’s first great player, handed the items in to Griffin Park for the Club to look after.
Arthur played for Brentford between 1892 and 1898.
He signed for Nottingham Forest, then a Football League club and FA Cup holders, as he had to move north to complete an apprenticeship in soap making.
His family owned a soap making business – Brentford Soap Company – and Arthur went on to be Mayor of Brentford and Chiswick in 1951.
Items collected by Arthur during his time at Brentford were stored and have been handed in.
The remarkable collection, pictured above, includes Season Ticket booklets, medals and collector cards.
It is in good condition and has been stored safely so it can be displayed when Brentford have the facilities to do so.
The collection includes what is thought to be the Club’s first ever badge.
The treasure trove has been found as Brentford enter the year of the Club’s 125th anniversary.
The first badge, in particular, will be used to mark the anniversary and supporters should look out for more information coming soon.
Mark Devlin, Brentford FC Chief Executive, said: “ We are very grateful to Arthur Charlton’s family for entrusting us with these wonderful items.
"They have been maintained in first class condition and the Club will definitely look to use this historic badge as an integral part of our 125 Year commemorations.”