The "Last Waltz" 1956 Orient Line Signed Menu

Featuring Sir Donald Bradman, Arthur Morris, Lindsay Hassett & Original Art by Arthur Mailey

A Unique 1956 "Inner Sanctum" Orient Line Dinner Menu, The Personal Memento of Arthur & Valerie Morris with Original Arthur Mailey Sketches and "Invincibles" Signatures.

This original Orient Line dinner menu, dated September 30, 1956, was the personal property of Arthur Morris and records a private evening shared by the "Royalty" of the sport during their final voyage from England.

This is not a commercial souvenir; it is a primary-source record of the deep bond between three of Australia's greatest captains and their wives, captured at a pivotal and poignant moment in their lives.

The "Fairy Godfather" Context: This menu dates to the return leg of the 1956 tour, a trip famously funded by London theatre owner Van Damm so that a terminally ill Valerie Morris could visit her family in England.

Original Arthur Mailey Art: The legendary leg-spinner and world-renowned caricaturist Arthur Mailey has graced this menu with original, hand-drawn sketches of the guests, likely drawn live at the table. These unpublished artworks are unique to this document.

Signatures & Personal Commentary: The menu contains signatures and handwritten comments from the attendees, including:
Sir Donald Bradman: Who traveled as a journalist and advisor.
Lady Jessie Bradman: A rare and coveted signature in the cricket market.
Arthur Morris: The "Invincibles" legend and owner of the item.
Valerie Morris: A signature of extreme rarity, capturing her last tour with Arthur.
Lindsay Hassett: The 1953 Captain and legendary wit.
Tess Hassett: Completing the "inner circle" of the era's great batting families.
Design: An original "Queens of England" series menu designed by the celebrated mid-century artist Dorrit Dekk for the Orient Line.

Historical Significance: This item represents the "Last Waltz" of the Invincibles era. It captures the camaraderie and "mateship" that defined the 1948–1956 period. The inclusion of personal comments from the wives, combined with Mailey's art and the Bradman signature, makes this a "one-of-one" artifact.

This menu is a "Triple-Crown" collectible:

Elite Cricket Provenance: Featuring the signatures of the three pillars of the 1948 team (Bradman, Morris, Hassett) on a private, non-commercial item.
Fine Art: Contains original, authenticated sketches by the most famous cricketer-artist in history, Arthur Mailey.
Human History: Records the final public appearance of Valerie Morris, whose story remains one of the most touching chapters in Australian sport.

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