Margaret Thatcher memorabilia up for auction
Christie's London is offering Margaret Thatcher memorabilia for auction, a rare opportunity for collectors to bid on personal property of one of the leading political figures of the 20th century in "Mrs Thatcher: Property from the Collection of The Right Honourable The Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven, LG, OM, FRS."
The items are being offered in two landmark sales: one at the auction house's London headquarters, Dec. 15, 2015, and another one online from Dec. 3-16.
This photo shows the red leather Prime Ministerial Dispatch box used by Thatcher, estimated to value £3,000-5,000 (4,500-7,500 USD).
The "Iron Lady"
A midnight blue velvet wedding ensemble by Constance Gowns, 1951.
The gown with sweetheart neckline, long sleeves and flying panel to rear is being sold together with a soft brimmed cap with an ostrich feather and matching muff, as weall as an art-deco marcasite double-clip brooch.
Margaret Roberts married Denis Thatcher wearing the outfit on Dec. 13. 1951.
Estimate 10,000 - 15,000 British pounds (15,000-23,00 USD)
The Tank Raincoat
A Fawn Gabardine Raincoat by Aquascutum, 1986.
On Sept. 17, 1986, Mrs. Thatcher visited the British troops stationed at the NATO training camp at Fallingbostel, Germany wearing this coat. She and the German Chancellor, Helmut Kohl, each boarded a tank and participated in well-choreographed target practice. This episode resulted it what was regarded as the most iconic image ever taken of Mrs. Thatcher - The Prime Minister - commanding a Challenger 1 Tank of The Royal Hussars.
Estimate 10,000 - 20,000 British pounds (15,000-32,000 USD)
The "Iron Lady"
A navy blue leather handbag with oval gilt fastening, adjustable shoulder strap together, Launer London, 1980s.
'Handbagging' is a verb which the Oxford English Dictionary notes was "coined in the 1980s by Julian Critchley, Conservative MP, with reference to Margaret Thatcher's ministerial style in cabinet meetings." The dictionary defines it as "verbally attack or crush (a person or idea) ruthlessly and forcefully."
The sales present a number of Mrs Thatcher's handbags.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000 British pounds (3,000-4,500 USD)
The "Iron Lady"
A Kaiser biscuit model of an American bald eagle with his head turned slightly to the right, 1980s.
A plaque is inscribed "Presented to the Hon. Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister of Great Britain for staunch and spirited support of the market economy principle." The award was presented by Walter H. Annenberg with best wishes from Ronald Reagan, President, on June 13th 1984, presented at the Foreign Office 10 Downing Street.
This eagle stood in the hallway of Mrs. Thatcher's last home, 73 Chester Square, London.
Estimate 5,000 - 8,000 British pounds (7,5,00-12,000 USD)
The "Iron Lady" and Reagan
Ronald Reagan (R) and Margaret Thatcher wave after their arrival in Camp David, Dec. 22, 1984, before their meeting.
The two like-minded politicians were friends and "political soulmates."
The "Iron Lady"
A pink silk and gold lame brocade evening ensemble composed of jacket, long pleated skirt and further matching skirt by Aquascutum, 1988.
Mrs. Thatcher wore this outfit to Ronald Reagan's last State Dinner at the White House on 16 Nov. 16, 1988.
Estimate 1,500 - 2,500 British pounds (2,300-3,700 USD)
The "Iron Lady"
Portrait photograph signed by Ronald and Nancy Reagan ('Nancy & Ron') depicting the Reagans with Margaret and Denis Thatcher at the state dinner at the White House Nov. 16, 1988, inscribed on lower border "Dear Margaret & Dennis - Yes it was our last State Dinner, but because you were here it was our best and most enjoyable. Warmest Friendship. Nancy & Ron."
Estimate 1,500 - 2,500 British pounds (2,300-3,700 USD)
The "Iron Lady"
A small black canvas holdall by Fendi, late 20th century with a Aquascutum silk scarf with emerald green border and houndstooth center.
Estimate 700 - 1,000 British pounds (1,000-1,500 USD)
The "Iron Lady"
A royal blue wool crepe suit with gilt buttons and a white pique modesty panel, by Aquascutum, 1989.
It was this suit which Mrs. Thatcher wore for her famed 'NO NO NO' speech in the House of Commons on Oct. 30, 1990, which came to characterize her no nonsense style of politics. The speech was on the subject of increased European economic and monetary union, which she considered to represent an erosion of British sovereignty.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000 British pounds (3,000-4,500 USD)
The "Iron Lady"
British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher acknowledges applause on Oct. 13, 1989 at the end of the Conservative Party conference in Blackpool wearing the blue wool crepe suit now up for auction. At left Foreign Secretary John Major and at right Home Secretary John Hurt.
The "Iron Lady"
A black suede and patent leather handbag by Rayne, late 20th/early 21st century.
Estimate 600 - 900 British pounds (900-1,300 USD)
The "Iron Lady"
An Art Deco emerald and diamond necklace by Joseph Chaumet set to the front with three cut-cornered emeralds within baguette and brilliant-cut diamond borders, circa 1930.
Estimate 120,000 - 180,000 British pounds (180,000-270,000 USD)
The "Iron Lady"
A George III diamond flower brooch, modeled as a six petalled flower, pave-set with old cushion, pear and circular-cut diamonds, circa 1800.
This was perhaps Mrs. Thatcher's favourite brooch. She was photographed wearing it frequently both during and after her time in office, and in her official portrait by Richard Stone, which hangs at number 10 Downing Street.
Estimate 8,000 - 12,000 British pounds (12,000-18,000 USD)
The "Iron Lady"
An evening bag of black silk embroidered with jet black beaded floral meanders by Judith Leiber, late 20th century.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000 British pounds (3,000-4,500 USD)