Potentially the oldest Challenge Cup final programme in existence is likely to be the most prized item at a Rugby League Collectors’ Federation (RLCF) fayre and auction at Odsal on Saturday.

It is from the 1908 decider between Hull and Hunslet and Richard Bailey of the RLCF says: “I have asked around several of our members, especially those who specialise in Challenge Cup memorabilia, and none of them know of a final programme this old so, potentially, this is the oldest one in existence.”

This lot, among the 131 on offer, is expected to fetch over £1,000.

Another even older item is a match card from a Bradford v Halifax game at Park Avenue.

The date of this game has not been ascertained but it is believed to have been in 1888 and the auction estimate on this item is £180 to £220.

Bailey said: “While this is strictly a rugby union programme, it was for a game played between two clubs who were to become founder members of the Northern Union in 1895. “Very few clubs produced match programmes at this time, so this is another very rare item.” There are several other interesting items in the auction with Bradford and Odsal themes.

These include a 1944 Rugby League v Rugby Union programme, a 1947 Bradford v New Zealand programme, a programme from the famous 1954 Challenge Cup final replay and a hand-painted glass bottle that commemorates Bradford’s championship-winning season in 1979-80.

There are also a lot of photographs that have originated from the Ken Traill collection, which include several from the 1948 Challenge Cup final, a programme from the first rugby union game played at Odsal – the 1940 Brighouse Rangers v Bradford Yorkshire Cup final – and autographed photographs of Ernest Ward and Eric Batten.

The fayre starts at 10.30am and the auction will get underway at 12.30pm.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

The RLCF regularly organise events at various venues throughout the year.

If you have anything suitable for any future auctions or any items of rugby league memorabilia that you want to dispose of, please contact Richard Bailey by calling 07854-633549.