AUCTIONEERS CHRISTIE’S were founded by Perth runaway James Christie in 1766 – so this venerable old institution can be excused for celebrating its 250th birthday. I fancy few firms nowadays make it to that vintage.
On the birthday theme, Christie’s have come up with a special 250th anniversary ‘Out of the Ordinary’ auction, which takes place in London on Wednesday.
The sale celebrates the “unusual and the unique, the extraordinary and the exceptional” and the 96 items selected because of their intriguing and unique stories have been on display in the capital since August 6.
The highlight of the sale is a diverse collection of memorabilia belonging to the Jersey-based collector David Gainsborough Roberts. According to Christie’s, Roberts’ vast array of items included “the personal possessions of many celebrated and renowned names of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Queen Victoria, Sir Winston Churchill and Lawrence of Arabia.”
As quirky as anything else on offer is a slice of Queen Victoria’s wedding cake, and it is brought to you as the new ITV drama ‘Victoria’, starring former Doctor Who girl Jenna Coleman, reaches the nuptials stage.
Surviving with its presentation box, inscribed ‘The Queen’s Bridal Cake/ BUCKINGHAM PALACE, FEBY 10/1840,’ beneath a Royal crown, the slice of cake is lotted together with Queen Victoria’s signature on paper, and has been given a pre-sale estimate of £800-£1200.
The box measures about 4in x 2½in wide – but I’m afraid the cake is showing its years far more than the auction house. It is not my idea of the perfect accompaniment to a cuppa!
The sale also includes a pair of Queen Victoria’s drawers (£2000-£3000) – she must have got through lots of these, as they habitually turn up at auction – and a cotton nightgown (£1000-£1500).
Royalty features throughout the sale, for example Napoleon’s leather wallet (£2000-£3000), a Charles I gold mourning pendant (£1500-£2500) and Edward VII’s c1905 crocodile skin and silver cigar case (£10,000-£15,000).
A selection of Olympic souvenirs will also be up for sale, including a rare solid gold golfing medal from the St Louis Olympics in 1904, the last time golf featured at the Games prior to its re-introduction – and Justin Rose’s wonderful victory – 112 years later in Rio (£20,000-£30,000).
