A rare Victorian Christmas card dated 1881, personally presented by Queen Victoria (1819–1901) to her close court attendant Eliza Amelia “Leila” Hay, Countess of Erroll (1829–1916). The interior bears the autograph presentation inscription: “To dear Leila Erroll from V.R.I. 1881.” The initials V.R.I. – Victoria Regina Imperatrix represent Victoria's royal and imperial titles as Queen and Empress. The recipient, Eliza Amelia Hay, Countess of Erroll, familiarly known as “Leila, ” was a close member of Queen Victoria's household and served as a Lady of the Bedchamber. Surviving correspondence from Victoria to “Leila” confirms the Countess of Erroll's identity and demonstrates the notably personal relationship between the two women. The front of the card is richly decorated with a colourful floral chromolithographic design surrounding the Biblical Christmas greeting: “CHRISTMAS On Earth Peace Goodwill toward Men S. LUKE II:14.” Inside is printed the Christmas poem “A Happy Christmas to you!” by the English religious poet and hymn writer Frances Ridley Havergal (1836–1879). A particularly appealing piece of Queen Victoria's personal ephemera, combining a decorative Victorian Christmas card, the Queen's personal autograph presentation, her imperial initials “V.R.I., ” the date 1881, and an identifiable recipient from her intimate royal household.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art