A star shaped medal awarded to the Sheffield Wednesday footballer and politician, W. E. Clegg (1852-1932), is to be sold at Bonhams, Chester, as part of its Sporting Memorabilia sale on June 1.

The medal, which was discovered in a box of assorted items brought into Bonhams' Exeter office by an unassuming client, has attracted a pre-sale estimate of £1,500-2,000.

W. E. Clegg played a significant role in the formation of football. Along with his brother, Charles Clegg, he was also the first Sheffield Wednesday player to earn international caps for England.

After retiring from football through injury he was elected the Lord Mayor of Sheffield (1898) and was often referred to as the 'uncrowned King of Sheffield'.

Sheffield Wednesday legend W. E. Clegg's 1877 cup winner's medal

Clegg was awarded this medal for winning the Sheffield Association Cup on 12 May 1877, when Sheffield Wednesday defeated Heeley 4-3 at Bramhall Lane in front of 6,000 fans. It was the first ever trophy won by Sheffield Wednesday.

That Clegg's impact on the history of football is well established should ensure that his medal attracts plenty of attention when it auctions in June.

If you're on the lookout for football memorabilia that doubles as a wise investment, then it's always best to choose a player who's likely to be remembered by future generations.

That can apply to a modern player like Argentina's Lionel Messi, widely regarded to be one of the best football players of his generation, or a past legend like Dixie Dean.

If a player has a strong legacy in the game’s history, then their football collectibles will likely have strong investment potential – like this Dixie Dean and Kevin Keegan signed menu, currently for sale

The latter's signature appears on this signed menu - alongside 1976's Footballer of the Year Kevin Keegan - which is presently for sale priced at £395. Dean was one of the greatest goal-scorers in English football history. 

In other football news, Sheffield Wednesday play Exeter as part of the Npower League One this weekend (May 7).

• Click here to view our Memorabilia stock items for sale
• Learn how you can get pleasure & profit from sports collectibles
• Read all the latest Memorabilia news

Join our readers in over 200 countries around the world - sign up for your free weekly Collectibles Newsletter today