A PLAQUE detailing the 100th anniversary of the world’s first intercity passenger railway will go under the hammer in Knutsford next week.

The solid brass and coloured enamel plaque, commemorates the centenary of the first Manchester railway station – close to where the Museum of Science and Industry now stands in the city today.

It was unveiled by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Lawrence Durning Holt, and Lord Mayor of Manchester, Robert Noton Barclay, on September 15, 1930.

The plaque features the coats of arms for Liverpool and Manchester, and is a unique reminder of the first intercity passenger railway in the world.

Nick Hall, principal auctioneer and valuer at Marshall’s, said the 100th anniversary would have been a big event in 1930.

Nick said he found the plaque after being invited to look at items in a house in Hale Barns.

“I found it stuck in a corner behind other items, and advised the owner it was a rare object,” he said.

“It will definitely be the only one in existence, but the owner didn’t know how it came into the family’s ownership. It seems it was just one item that the owner’s late husband collected.”

The 35-mile long Liverpool to Manchester line opened on September 15, 1830, was overseen by George Stephenson and run by the Liverpool and Manchester Railway.

It was opened in the presence of the Prime Minister, The Duke of Wellington and a large number of dignitaries, but the occasion was marred when William Huskisson, a member of Parliament for Liverpool was killed at the opening ceremony.

“Because it is unique it, is impossible to say what it is worth as there are no comparables,” Nick said.

“My gut feeling is that it will probably make a four-figure sum, but we have put a low estimate to generate interest and see where it goes.”

The plaque has an estimate of £300 to £500, and will be up for auction in Knutsford, on January 24.

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