Fit for a king: coronation themed lots
24 April 2023
The coronation might mark a new era but it is also a time to reminisce.
On April 27, Dawsons has a collection of royal memorabilia going under the hammer. It was consigned by the family of Robert Smith, a footman at Buckingham Palace and steward at Windsor Castle who worked from the late 1930s-mid 70s. The collection includes more than 30 handwritten Christmas cards, overseas tour itineraries, invitations to parties at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, Christmas gift tags by members of the royal family and photographs of Smith at work. The collection is offered in several lots with a combined estimate of £15,000-20,000.
The coronation might mark a new era but it is also a time to reminisce.
King Charles III’s crowning will undoubtedly remind viewers of previous monarchs as well as the history and tradition behind the ceremony.
While some nurse a full-time passion for collecting royal memorabilia, the coronation could be the perfect time to bid for some coronation and royal lots.
Cheffins’ Library Sale of April 27 includes a Buckingham Palace note-card scribbled on with pencil drawings by a young Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret. The pair did the drawings probably c.1938-39 while visiting their dentist Mr Aldred. The card was left in the waiting room and has since been copied for the Royal Archives. It has an estimate of £1000-1500.
Offered with an estimate of £500-700 is this large coronation goblet or rummer dated 1838, marking the crowning of Queen Victoria. The bucket bowl is engraved to one side with the royal coat of arms and the reverse has a crown above ‘VR’ within a band inscribed ‘Crowned at Westminster June 28 1838’. It goes under the hammer at Woolley & Wallis’ British and Continental Ceramics and Glass auction of April 26-27.