An unusual royal mourning envelope associated with Queen Victoria (1819–1901) and addressed to her aunt, Princess Mary, Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh (1776–1857), daughter of King George III. The front is addressed: “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester” with: “The Queen” Below the recipient's name, Queen Victoria has written “The Queen” in her own hand, thus signing/identifying the envelope by her royal title rather than by her personal name. This is a particularly appealing autograph and royal feature of the envelope. 7.5The envelope is distinguished by a broad black mourning border, with remnants of four black royal wax seals positioned at the corners of the front, portions of their heraldic impressions still visible. The black mourning bands continue across the reverse along the closing folds of the envelope, forming a prominent X-shaped arrangement. According to the original accompanying description, the envelope was lined with cotton or linen, an unusual feature adding to its ceremonial character. The recipient, Princess Mary, Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh, was a daughter of King George III and Queen Charlotte and an aunt of Queen Victoria. An unusual piece of royal mourning ephemera combining direct family association between Queen Victoria and her aunt, elaborate black mourning borders and remnants of four black royal wax seals.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art