Introduction
When you support a club as storied as Sunderland A.F.C. — fondly known as the Black Cats — you’re not just cheering on a team. You’re upholding a legacy, honouring triumphs, and making your allegiance known.
And what better way to broadcast your pride than with a striking piece of décor that celebrates one of the club’s unforgettable achievements: the 1937 FA Cup Final. Enter the Sunderland metal wall sign from MackemShop, a beautifully crafted tribute that lets you display your Black Cats pride in style.
Celebrating Football History and Club Pride
Football memorabilia isn’t just about collecting—it’s about capturing moments in time, the emotion, the tradition. The MackemShop 1937 FA Cup Final Metal Sign commemorates the moment when Sunderland faced Preston North End F.C. at the iconic Wembley Stadium (then known as the Empire Stadium) on Saturday 1 May 1937.
For a Sunderland fan, that match represents a golden chapter: paying tribute to the proud heritage of the club, and keeping that legacy alive in your surroundings. Displaying this sign isn’t just about style—it’s about connecting with decades of Black Cats heritage.
Design & Material – Built to Impress
The sign features a faithful recreation of the original match-day poster, complete with the royal crest, classic typography and historical details that evoke the era of the late 1930s. It is printed on durable, weather-resistant metal with a matte finish—a combination that ensures it looks the part and stands up to display in a variety of settings.
Key design and material features include:
- Authentic design: recreation of the original poster, capturing the aesthetic of the time.
- Premium material: weather-resistant metal with a matte finish—perfect for the garage, man-cave, fan-cave or even an outdoor space.
- Pre-drilled holes: the sign is ready to hang, making it hassle-free to display once you’ve chosen the perfect spot.
While the product description mentions “measures [insert dimensions]” in a placeholder, it clearly emphasises that the size is designed to be ideal for home bars, fan caves, offices or gifting.
Why It Makes a Statement
This metal wall sign is more than a decorative piece — it’s a conversation starter, a statement of loyalty, and a piece of football heritage that brings style and significance into your space. Consider how it ticks multiple boxes:
- Tribute to Sunderland’s legacy: The match celebrated is part of the club’s legacy, and owning this sign allows a fan to connect with it daily.
- Vintage-inspired aesthetic: The design evokes the 1930s era of football, offering nostalgic charm and authenticity.
- Quality build and display ready: With durable metal construction, weather-resistance and pre-drilled holes, it is both practical and stylish.
- Great for fans and collectors: Whether you’re a lifelong Black Cats supporter or a collector of vintage football memorabilia, this sign delivers value. The description states it is “a must-have for fans, collectors, and lovers of classic football design.”
Ideal Settings for Display
Where should this piece go? Here are some recommended settings where the sign will shine:
- Fan cave or man-cave – Add an authentic and stylish touch to your dedicated football room. Pair it with Black Cats flags, scarves, or framed shirts.
- Home bar or lounge – Bring personality and club allegiance into a relaxing, social space. The metal finish adds industrial-chic vibes.
- Office or workspace – Let your passion for Sunderland show in your day-to-day surroundings, giving you a touch of motivation and identity.
- Gift for a fan – If you know someone who bleeds red and white and has Sunderland in their blood, this sign is a meaningful, stylish gift.
- Outdoor or garden space – Thanks to the weather-resistant construction, it could even work under a covered outdoor area or garden shed (though indoor use will prolong its pristine look).
The Story Behind the Match
Understanding the story behind the design makes the sign more than just decoration—it gives it emotional weight. On Saturday 1 May 1937, at the Empire Stadium (Wembley), Sunderland triumphed over Preston North End to lift the FA Cup. It was the Coronation Year of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, giving the match a regal context and making the poster’s design resonate even more—with a sense of national celebration and football glory.
Key details from the historic match:
- Date: Saturday, 1 May 1937
- Venue: Empire Stadium (Wembley)
- Kick-off time: 3 p.m.
- Programme price: Sixpence — a small token that reminds us of football’s humble past.
- Result: Sunderland crowned champions with a 3–1 victory.
That match doesn’t belong only to history books—it lives on in club lore, in the hearts of supporters and now via this metal wall sign.
Make It Your Own
If you’re ready to showcase your Black Cats pride in style, here are some tips on how to make the most of this sign:
- Choose a prominent wall: Think of placing the sign at eye-level where it can draw attention rather than tucked away in a corner.
- Combine with club colours: Use red and white accessories (cushions, rugs, frames) around the sign to enhance the club-centric theme.
- Lighting matters: A subtle LED strip or spotlight above the sign can make it pop, especially in a dimmer room.
- Group it with memorabilia: If you have scarves, shirts, photos, or ticket stubs, create a mini gallery around the sign to tell a fuller Sunderland story.
- Keep it clean: Because it’s metal with a matte finish, a soft cloth wipe-down will keep it looking sharp and stylish.
- Gifting idea: Wrap it in Black Cats colours, maybe with a card referencing the 1937 cup final, and you’ll have a meaningful gift that shows you understand the club and the person.
Why this Wall Sign Speaks to Black Cats Fans
What sets this piece apart is the combination of design, material quality and heritage appeal. For fans of the club, it’s not simply “another wall poster.” It’s a durable metal sign that brings the past into the present, rooted in a landmark event for Sunderland. The vintage style ensures it doesn’t feel cheap or throwaway—it has presence.
Additionally, the quote from the product page that it’s “a must-have for fans, collectors, and lovers of classic football design” underscores its dual appeal: both as fan décor and as collectible memorabilia.
This means whether you’re an ardent supporter who wants to showcase club loyalty or a collector who appreciates historic football design, the sign works for both.
Final Thoughts
In a world where football fandom is often expressed through match tickets, jerseys and scarves, the metal wall sign offers a fresh way to wear your colours—on your wall. It says: I’m a Sunderland fan. I honour history. I appreciate style. And I’m proud.
With its weather-resistant metal build, matte finish, pre-drilled holes and authentic recreation of a match-day poster from a landmark cup final, this piece from MackemShop brings together craftsmanship, design and legacy in a way that truly speaks to Black Cats pride.
So, hang it where it will be seen. Let it spark conversation. Let it remind you every day of who you support—and why. Because when you put this sign on your wall, you’re not just decorating a room—you’re celebrating a club, a moment in time, and your own role as part of that ongoing story.