TROTT, Albert Edwin [1873-1914: Victoria, Middlesex, Australia and England]: A sepia-toned printed photographic postcard portrait of A.E. Trott, the Australian-born Test player for both Australia and England and later all-rounder for Middlesex; it is inscribed and signed in a light portion of the image 'yours truly A.E. Trott'. The card is one of the 'Health & Strength' series; the verso is a little finger-marked, and the blank 3mm left-hand border has been trimmed off the image (possibly the card had been mounted along this edge); overall it is in very good condition. In his prime around the turn of the century, Trott was 'responsible for some of the most spectacular hitting and bowling in the history of first-class cricket' (Pollard), but he was one of Australian cricket's tragic figures. In 1894-95, he 'made a sensational Test debut against England ... His second innings 8/43 remains the best by a debutant, and he also hit 38 not out and 72 not out.... [His] omission from the 1896 team to England produced a public outcry. Trott paid his own way, joined the Lord's staff and qualified for Middlesex. Many of his performances there have passed into cricket folklore [for example, in his 1907 Benefit match, he took four wickets in four balls, then finish off the innings with ANOTHER hat trick!]. His career tally of wickets remains unsurpassed by an Australian. Trott accompanied Lord Hawke's teams to South Africa (1898/99) and Australia (1902/03)'. He took up umpiring after retiring in 1911, but in July 1914, suffering 'pain and melancholia from dropsy and in dire financial circumstances', he shot himself through the head (OCAC). He was the younger brother of the great Australian captain, Harry Trott.   $750

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