Personally signed invitations to coronations aren’t easy to find. But you could own your own invitation to Queen Victoria’s coronation via a British collectibles dealer.
Paul Fraser Collectibles are selling the document, which was signed by the 18-year-old princess on the cusp of one of the most consequential reigns in British history.
It was sent to Thomas Powys, 3rd Baron Ilford, from St James’s Palace on May 9, 1838.
We can assume that the Baron did as requested and attended the service and ceremonies of June 28, 1828, with “all excuses set apart”.
Victoria’s coronation showed the young queen could be a popular public figure.
It was a day to be remembered for the young royal, who later wrote: “The shouts… the drums, the trumpets, the firing of the guns, all at the same instant, rendered the spectacle most imposing… I shall remember this day as the Proudest of my life!”
And it was a historically important moment.
No-one could see what lay ahead for Victoria, but there was something in the air as 400,000 onlookers helped make the coronation the biggest since Charles II had returned to the throne vacated by his executed father in 1660.
There’s youth and energy aplenty in this sure, strong signature, that is a valuable collector’s piece in its own right. Image courtesy of Paul Fraser Collectibles.
Paul Fraser, chairman of Paul Fraser Collectibles says: “These official Royal summons invitations were sent exclusively to British noblemen and noblewomen.
“Only a few are known to survive, with the majority in public collections. They are immensely rare in private hands. So if you collect British Royal memorabilia, this is your chance to acquire something truly exceptional.”
The document is in “exceptional” condition with, “a perfect example of Queen Victoria’s autograph,” says Mr Fraser.
“Her signature is large, clear and unmistakable. It appears prominently at the top of the page, crisply signed in black ink.”
The full document is an impressive display piece. Image courtesy of Paul Fraser Collectibles.
The British Royal Family has a huge allure for collectors, who have centuries of history and an extraordinary cast of characters on whom to focus their collecting attention.
Original signatures are extremely rare and can be very valuable, as protocol prevents royals from giving autographs on all but personal correspondence and official documents.
Victoria’s signature has added value as she is an iconic, global figure.
You can buy the Queen Victoria signed coronation invitation now at the Paul Fraser Collectibles website. The price is £7,995.
