Thursday, November 17, 2011

Object of the Day: A Handkerchief Commemorating the Coronation that Never Happened




Oh, Edward VIII---even though he broke his mama’s heart with the abdication kerfuffle, can you imagine what the world would have been like if he’d actually remained King? I’m thinking that the Second World War would have been a lot different…and not in a good way. So, it’s best that he stepped down and let his brother become King George VI, allowing his niece to eventually become Queen Elizabeth II.


Still, as I’ve said before, the Coronation was already planned. It was easy enough to swap out George’s name for Edwards on the programs. So, why not keep the same date?

Here’s one of the rare souvenirs from the coronation that never happened. Most of the Edward VIII items were scrapped when he abdicated and the Coronation was changed for George VI. The ones which remain, most likely, had already been purchased. This handkerchief is emblazoned with a portrait of the temporary King in a circle flanked by Union Jacks and punctuated with his name and the planned dates for the coronation. The border of the textile spells out milestones in Edward’s life. Obviously, the abdication isn’t listed.





2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi fab website- the hanky - I have one just like it in old rainy England any idea of its value I can't find another like it on the internet anywhere your thoughts would be much appreciated. Thank you Mel

Joseph Crisalli said...

Hi Mel,

Thanks for your kind words. Edward VIII coronation items are relatively rare as most were scrapped after the kerfuffle. Values vary, of course, but, on average, i'd say that your handkerchief, depending on condition, could fetch about £25-30. This is a most unusual design. Ive never seem another like it and, believe me, I've seen hundreds such items.

Thanks for writing!