This is an absolutely fantastic 8 panel 'Springbok Improved' ball with multiple team signatures. This ball belonged to Alan Cramer, the son of a former Transvaal committee member and Springbok selector Abe Cramer who was responsible for the entertainment of overseas touring teams in Jo'burg during the 1950s and early 1960s. The ball is signed on each of the eight panels. Pride of place goes to the 1955 Lions who have signed neatly down one panel, names like Cliff Morgan, Tony O'Reilly, Robin Thompson & Bryn Meredith can be easily picked out. The next panel is signed by the complete 1953 Wallaby tour party. Two panels have been signed by the 1958 Barbarians, the names of future Lions captains Arthur Smith and Ronnie Dawson appear amongst a whole host of star players including Terry Davies, David Marques & Haydn Morgan. The remaining 4 panels have been signed by Springboks, amongst these we can make out 'Champion' Myburgh, one cap for SA in 1924 against the Lions, Abie Malan, Hannes Brewis, EE Mchardy, Butch Lochner. The majority of signatures are still legible. While counting the signatures, 169 in total I came across some more greats, Philip Nel, captain of the 1937 Springboks, Danie Craven, Gerry Brand & Wavell Wakefield, England Grand Slam captain of the 1920s. The bladder has recently been renewed on this ball. This is by far the most comprehensively signed ball we have seen. (WRM-0510)

Tony O'Reilly happy to sign - could this be a photo of our ball ? 

Above illustration, the 1949 All Blacks hard at it during a signing session

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT ABE CRAMER ON THE 1955 TOUR