Description:

Queen Mary of England
[Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland], September 7, 1926
Queen Mary ALS Cheers WWI Veteran Charities & Disdains Motor Cars
ALS

A 3pp autograph letter signed by Mary of Teck, Queen of England (1867-1953) as "Mary R" on the third page. September 7, 1926. [Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.] Inscribed on laid watermarked bifold mourning stationery with "Balmoral Castle" embossed letterhead. (The mourning stationery was probably a mark of respect for Mary's mother-in-law, Alexandra, who had died 10 months earlier, in November 1925.) Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds, and a former collector's pencil inscriptions on the blank outer leaf. Else near fine. 4.75" x 7.5." Provenance: Ex-Paul Richards, 1967.

Queen Mary wrote this charming letter to "Lady Esher," referring to Eleanor Van de Weyer Brett, Viscountess Esher (1865-1940), the half-Belgian and half-American wife of former Liberal Member of Parliament Reginald Brett, 2nd Viscount of Esher. Lord Esher is also fondly recalled in the letter; the Privy Councilor would be appointed as Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle just two years later, in 1928. Queen Mary celebrates Lady Esher's fundraising efforts to supply housing to ex-World War I servicemen. The "Pedlar's Pack" referred to a pop-up curio shop in Callander, Perthshire, Scotland, where Lady Esher personally sold nicknacks and novelties from behind the counter. Proceeds went to building houses for disabled veterans. Perhaps motor cars - though personally objectionable to Queen Mary - enabled tourists to reach the shop.

The queen wrote in full, with original usage:

"Sept: 7. 1926

Dear Lady Esher,

What a delightful footstool you have so kindly sent me by Ld Esher, I am much pleased with it and admire the work extremely, I am using it already under my writing table, tho' I feel it is a shame to place my feet on it! Pray accept my warmest thanks. I am glad to hear your 'Pedlar's pack' has been so successful this year, it is a good thing the motors of all kinds are of some use to the country side - We are glad to see your husband looking so well + hope he will enjoy his little visit to us -

Believe me
dear Lady Esher
Your's [sic] affect.ly

Mary R."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 4.75" x 7.5"
  • Medium: ALS

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