King George VI writing set brings $8,054 at UK auction

A gilt writing set presented to King George VI by Edward VIII brought $8,054 on May 10

A turquoise and gilt desk set that Edward, Duke of Windsor presented to his brother King George VI upon Edward's abdication brought £5,000 (£8,054) to an auction in Berkshire, UK yesterday (May 10).

King George VI's personal desk set

The magnificent desk set was given to the new King George VI after Edward abdicated the throne in 1936 in order to marry American socialite Wallis Simpson.

Edward VIII had been king for less than a year before he expressed his desire to marry Simpson, and was advised by Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin that he could not for political and religious purposes.

The abdication was a source of much controversy, with the throne being handed to the reluctant Albert, who later chose the regnal name, King George VI.

The writing set includes a letter rack, ink well, a roller blotter, pen tray paper and stamp box, all of which are inscribed with the king's nickname, Bertie. The words "There, but for the Grace of god" are engraved on the underneath of the box.

The set was eventually given away to a lady of title by the Queen Mother following the death of King George VI. The Queen Mother reportedly hated the item after the King's relationship with his brother deteriorated.

The auction house's Neil Shuttleworth said of the piece: "The Queen Mother wasn't a great fan of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor after the abdication and as a result did not like the writing set, which she gave away."

Paul Fraser Collectibles is pleased to offer this Wallis Simpson autographed letter to Baroness Rothschild, a delightfully personal item that would compliment any royal collection.  

Recent and related articles

·  Bob Dylan's Basement Tapes jacket is just like a woman's | 10 May 2012

·  Ronald Reagan's blood from assassination attempt comes to auction | 9 May 2012

·  Investors, don't miss this auction - starts May 3 | 3 May 2012

Your collecting

View our stock items for sale  |  How to start a collection

Guides and analysis

Investing in Unique Items  |  10 reasons to invest in collectibles  |  Market information & demographics

www.paulfrasercollectibles.com

Images: Specialist Auction Services