The coronation trinkets to keep safe

Besides The Declaration of Breda, Sotheby’s Coronation Sale (see left) also featured a host of letters penned by British kings and queens, including Henry III (1254) and George VI between 1913 and 1932, when he was known as Prince Albert. A collection of photographs relating to Elizabeth II’s royal tours from the 1950s to the 1970s were also on sale, as was a diamond pin brooch, one of six gifted to her maids of honour at her coronation in 1953. Replica sets of the crown jewels, complete with the St Edward’s Crown, which Charles III will wear at his coronation, were dispersed across the Commonwealth. One such set in the sale was valued at up to £15,000.

“Royal memorabilia has always been greatly sought after, but events like weddings and coronations certainly bring about a new wave of interest and curiosity,” says Valentina Borghi of Chiswick Auctions. “Owning a piece of royal memorabilia such as a photograph signed by the late Queen Elizabeth or chairs from the investiture of Charles as Prince of Wales means owning a piece of history.” Just such a set of chairs, along with those from the coronations of George V, George VI and Elizabeth II, appeared in Chiswick Auctions’ Happy & Glorious sale this week.

As for the future of collecting, keep an eye out for autographs and memorabilia relating to Charles III and Queen Camilla, which are already attracting “strong interest”, says Borghi. “Photographs and letters signed by the royal couple after their accession to the throne will be very valuable in the next few years.” Just make sure you are happy with the condition of whatever you buy and know its more recent history. “A good provenance is always paramount when dealing with collectables.”