[
]
Listen to our interview with talkRADIO's Matthew Wright
"By far the weirdest Curiosity Corner we've had"
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN >Join 10,000 collectors
And get free weekly newsletters, regular stock updates and exclusive offers
Featured products
-
King Henry VIII Signed Petition
£90,000.00
- Rare document signed "Henry R" by one of England's most iconic monarchs in 1542
- Pristine condition
- Clear signature at head of page
- Exceptionally large - oblong folio on vellum
- Previously stored in the Crown Office
King Henry VIII
Henry VIII was King of England from April 21, 1509 until his death on January 28, 1547.
Henry's six wives - Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Katherine Parr - are the stuff of legend.
Henry's struggles with Rome led to the separation of the Church of England from Papal authority, establishing him as the Supreme Head of the Church of England. The move changed the face of religion in England, and has had a lasting effect that is felt around the world today.
Henry VIII is also remembered as "one of the most charismatic rulers to sit on the throne of England", as well as a keen patron of the arts, himself being an author and composer.
Description
King Henry VIII's bold, clear signature features prominently on this exceptionally large document, measuring 20" x 11.5".
Henry's signature is followed by a large R signifying the words, Rex Omnibus, meaning "king of all" in Latin.
Of the utmost quality, this piece is in pristine condition, a truly remarkable feat considering its age. There are few comparables on the open market.
The document is a petition from John and Dorothy Wingfield to King Henry VIII, requesting the right to rent the priory of Woodbridge and Haspeley, the rectory of Woodbridge, and the possessions of the priory in Woodbridge, Martlesham, Great Bealings, Hasketon, Grymmesborough, Haspeley and Brandeston.Henry's signature indicates he gives his assent to the request.
Four lines at the head of the document read:
"To the king o[u]r Soveraigne Lorde, Please it your hieghnes[s] of your mooste noble and abundant grace to gruante your mooste gracious, L[ett]ers patente under your grete Seale of England in due and sufficient fourme to, be made according to the teno[u]r herafter ensuing."Following the addition of the King's signature, indicating that the Great Seal could now be attached, petitions such as this would have been passed on to the Chancery, where it would be formally copied and passed under the Great Seal.
The final copied document would then be passed to the petitioner and would not usually feature the king's signature.The original, signed document - such as the example offered - would have been kept in the Crown Office.
This patent was successful and can be seen on the Patent Rolls dated Westminster, 6th March 1542.In the upper left corner is a small notation reading, "Given me 8th June 1797 by Mr. Betts of Colchester" - presumably an addition from one of its early owners after it left the Crown Office.
Rarity
It is very rare for a document such as this one to leave the Crown Office.
Unsurprisingly, few documents have survived the 470+ years since Henry's death.Those that have withstood the tests of time are mostly held in institutions such as the British Library, the National Archives and the British Museum, leaving very few in private hands.
This is a rare opportunity to own an example of King Henry VIII's signature on such a large document in pristine condition.Free global shipping. 28-day no quibble returns. Certificate of Authenticity and our Lifetime Moneyback Guarantee of Authenticity included.
-
- Magazine cut out signed by Marilyn Monroe during filming for The Asphalt Jungle (1950) - one of her earliest roles
- A rare autograph from the beginning of her career
Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962) needs little introduction. An actress, model and entertainer, she is perhaps the most recognisable of all screen icons.
As such, her memorabilia is highly sought after, and continues to be widely collected across the world.
This magazine cut-out, 3.75" x 2.25", features an early autograph from Marilyn Monroe.
The star signs in black pen below a black and white photograph taken on the set of The Asphalt Jungle.
She was a total unknown when the movie was made, but within three years she'd be a star. Few autographs exist from her early years and collectors are quick to snatch them up when they appear.
Free global shipping. 28-day returns. Certificate of Authenticity and our Lifetime Moneyback Guarantee of Authenticity included.
-
- A George Harrison signed cheque dated 1972 and made out to legendary Cream drummer Ginger Baker
George Harrison (1943-2001) was lead guitarist in The Beatles. He began playing with John Lennon and Paul McCartney while they were still in The Quarrymen. Harrison contributed much to the Beatle's signature sound. His fascination with Indian mysticism led the band to adopt sounds and ideas from the subcontinent. Following the Beatles’ split in 1970, he enjoyed a successful solo career.
A National Westminster Bank cheque dated “10th Feb, 1972”. The sum is £37.32, around £500 in today’s money. Bearing a superb signature from Harrison in blue pen.
Harrison and Baker ran in the same circles and worked together at various times throughout their careers.
The piece is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from renowned Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo describing it as "one of the best examples of a George Harrison check in existence".
Free global shipping. 28-day returns. Certificate of Authenticity and our Lifetime Moneyback Guarantee of Authenticity included.
-
Great Britain 1840 1d Black Plate 9. SG2
£5,500.00
Great Britain 1840 1d Black, SG2 Plate 9. A very fine used four margin example lettered IG, neatly cancelled by a crisp strike of "Poulton Penny Post" handstamp. Very rare in so fine a condition.
GB Specialised Catalogue Number: AS56yb
Accompanied with a 2003 Royal Philatelic Society Certificate of Authenticity.
-
- An original poster from John F. Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign
- In exceptional condition, professionally mounted and framed with bold colours
- Want to find out more about this piece? Click here
John F. Kennedy was the President of the United States of America from 1961 until 1963 when he was tragically assassinated in Dallas, Texas. A charismatic leader, he is one of the most beloved presidents in US history, and his memorabilia is among the best selling of any former president.
This large 27" x 41" poster, which features some light creasing, is from Kennedy's presidential campaign. It shows a head and shoulders image of a smiling Kennedy and reads: "Kennedy for President - Leadership for the 60s".
Professionally mounted and framed this poster is a wonderful piece of political history.
Free global shipping. 28-day returns. Certificate of Authenticity and our Lifetime Moneyback Guarantee of Authenticity included.
-
Napoleon Bonaparte signed letter
£3,950.00
- A signed Napoleon Bonaparte letter with superb content
Napoleon is one of history's most iconic figures. As emperor of France, his actions shaped Europe in the early 19th century. Following a successful coup d'etat in 1799, Napoleon went on to conquer much of Western and North Eastern Europe.
Defeat in Russia and at the Battle of Waterloo has diminished the stature of his achievements. However, Napoleon was key in establishing a legal framework used across much of Europe, based on Meritocracy, and his military strategy is still widely studied across the world.
When the Duke of Wellington was asked to name the greatest general of the day, he answered: "In this age, in past ages, in any age, Napoleon."
A rare letter from Napoleon to his stepson Eugene de Beuharnais, dated January 19, 1806 - five days after Eugene’s marriage to Princess Augusta of Bavaria.
Displayed in a black backing with portraits of the two men.
Napoleon is clearly delighted on Eugene's behalf. The letter reads (probably in a secretarial hand): “I arrived at Stuttgart yesterday evening at six, I will stay here today and leave tomorrow. I am sending you a Moniteur [Le Moniteur Universel – a Parisian newspaper] where you will see news about yourself.
“Two kisses to Princess Augusta, one for me, the other for the Empress [Josephine – Eugene’s mother and Napoleon’s wife].”
Napoleon signs “Napole”, a rare shortened variant of his signature.
Free global delivery. 28 day returns.
-
1966 England World Cup Final Autographs
£3,950.00
- Autographs from all 11 England players who starred in the 1966 World Cup Final
- The attractive signatures feature on a November 1966 Royal Variety Performance programme
- Additionally signed by team manager Alf Ramsey and reserve England players Callaghan, Clarke, Hollins, Tambling and Labone
- Read the full story of this piece here
England beat West Germany 4-2 in the final of the World Cup on July 30, 1966. To date it is England's only World Cup triumph.
A Royal Variety Performance programme from November 14, 1966, signed by the England football team who were invited on stage at the London Palladium during the evening’s performance.
The team were gathered together as they were to play Wales in a home international game on November 16. The starting line up for the Wales match was the same as that for the 1966 World Cup Final between England and Germany earlier that year.
The 29 x 21 cm programme is signed by all 11 England players who played in the World Cup Final. It is also signed by England manager Alf Ramsey and his assistant Harold Shepherdson, as well as reserves Callaghan, Clarke, Hollins, Tambling and Labone.
John Cushley, who at that time played for Celtic, has also signed the menu. Additional signatures include actress Julia Foster and TV presenter Muriel Young.
A rare set of autographs that is impossible to recreate today as three of the 1966 team have passed away.
Free global delivery. 28-day returns. Certificate of Authenticity and our Lifetime Moneyback Guarantee of Authenticity included.
-
- An authentic strand of hair from Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe
In 2000, Daniel Radcliffe was handpicked from tens of thousands of young hopefuls to play Harry Potter, the eponymous main character of JK Rowling’s phenomenally successful book series. Since then he’s been in demand as a leading man both in Hollywood and on Broadway.
This is a guaranteed authentic half inch strand of Daniel Radcliffe’s hair.
It comes presented on an 8 x 5.75 inch display card, perfect for framing.
The hair comes directly from a wigmaker who has worked on several major recent films and TV programmes.
The wigmaker takes hair samples from celebrities to ensure the wigs exactly match their hair. 99% of TV and film stars use wigs or hair extensions on screen.
Free global shipping. Certificate of Authenticity and our Lifetime Moneyback Guarantee of Authenticity included.
Featured video
AS FEATURED BY
