Canberra now holds a piece of cricket history as Sir Donald Bradman’s baggy green hat finds a new home at the National Museum. It was bought for $438,500.

The baggy green will appear alongside other Bradman memorabilia, including an autographed bat from the first Test at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, during the 1934 Ashes series (won by Australia), and the ball bowled by First Nations cricketer Eddie Gilbert (Kanju) when he dismissed Bradman for a duck in a Sheffield Shield match in 1931.

Famously averaging an unbeaten 99.94 runs in Test matches, Bradman captained the Australian team in the 1946-47 series, which was the first to be played between Australia and England after World War II.

National Museum director, Katherine McMahon, thanked the government for its support in contributing half of the cost, and says the item reflects a time when sporting heroes gave Australians hope following the war.

“We are delighted this national treasure has found a home here at the National Museum of Australia for all Australians to enjoy,” she says.

Worn during the 1946-47 Ashes tour of Australia, this cap is one of 11 Bradman baggy greens known to exist and will be on display at the Museum’s Landmarks gallery, which explores defining moments and objects in Australia’s history since 1770.