An important Queen Victoria signed photograph is set to provide an exciting lot in PFC Auctions' September sale.
 An incredibly rare opportunity to own Queen Victoria's autograph |
The photograph was hand-selected by Britain's longest reigning monarch as the official IMAGE_for her Diamond Jubilee. It was taken at the wedding of the future King George V and Queen Mary in 1893 by W & D Downey - the London photographers who were later provided with a royal warrant for their iconic images of the British monarchy.
An inscription from Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Bigge, 1st Baron Stamfordham and Queen Victoria's private secretary, records the queen's selection: "Messrs W & D Downey, London, this is the particular photograph selected by the Queen in accordance with my letter of 9th April 1897, Arthur Bigge."
Released on June 22, 1897, the photograph is mounted on thick cardboard and is in excellent condition, with just a few expected signs of wear at the edges. Featuring a crisp signature that reads "Victoria 1837-1897" on the front, the photograph makes a perfect display piece and will sell with a minimum bid of just £200.
Queen Victoria memorabilia has been selling superbly at auction recently, boosted by the present queen's own Diamond Jubilee, which has reignited collectors' interest in past monarchs. On June 30, a mourning outfit worn by Victoria sold 210% above its high estimate.
PFC Auctions has a long history in selling royal memorabilia. In its last sale, the world record for a piece of Prince Charles and Diana's wedding cake saw a 16.2% pa increase, after a slice sold for £1,756.
