Gifts of Grandeur: The Fabergé Pelican, 1915

Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Among the menagerie of miniature Fabergé animals in Queen Mary’s collection, this pelican stands out. The pelican – a symbol of self sacrifice and maternal love – was a favored emblem of the Tsarina Maria Feodorovna.


Fabergé used the pelican as the theme for the Imperial Easter Egg which he made for the Tsarina in 1898. Of course, Carl Fabergé, is known to have had a keen interest in ornithology which led him to create detailed carvings of a tremendous variety of birds.

This fine pink quartz sculpture is set with ruby eyes and gold feet and was purchased for £20 by Grand Duke Michael from Fabergé’s London branch in November 1915 as a Christmas present for King George V and/or Queen Mary.

Unfolding Pictures: Queen Mary's Coronation Fan, 1911

Queen Mary's Coronation Fan, 1911
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Presented by the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers to Queen Mary on the occasion of the coronation on June 22, 1911, this fan of a cream cotton lace leaf is supported by plain blond tortoiseshell guards and sticks. Upon the front guard is an applied gold monogram of “MR” surmounted by a crown. The bottom of the fan is punctuated by a gold pin with diamond heads and a gold loop

This lace fan lead is painted with four shields of arms and a decorative border containing the rose, thistle and shamrock. Very often in the inventory of the Royal Collection, this fan was noted by Queen Mary as being “in use” throughout her lifetime. So, obviously, it was a favorite. It is shown in photographs as being used in India during the Durbar celebrations.

The fan was designed by the industrial designer, fan-maker and fan historian George Woolliscroft Rhead while the leaf was created in the workshop of Miss Fowler of Honiton. The guards and sticks were carved by Robert Gleeson under the direction of Mr Joseph Ettlinger, Past Master of the Fan Makers Company. The original box survives.

A similar fan was created by the Honiton lace-makers at the time of Queen Elizabeth’s (the Queen Mother) coronation in 1937. That leaf, however, incorporates roses, thistles and ferns and was designed by the niece of Miss Fowler.

Unusual Artifacts: The Mysore Model, 1923



The Victoria & Albert Museum



This strange architectural model depicts a medieval Hindu temple. It has been carved in sandalwood upon a polished teak-wood base. The model is a composite of styles, but is clearly, loosely based on details of Hoysala dynasty temples at Halebid, Somnathpur and Belur.


The model is adorned with figures of various Hindu gods nestled within niches, amidst scrolling foliate stems, lotus and lotus flowers. From above, we see that the plan of the temple is a twelve pointed star where each point rests upon the back of an elephant. This is not a replica of a particular building, but rather an amalgam of details from several important temples.

This ingenious work of art was first seen publically at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley in 1924. It was loaned to the Exhibition by King George V and Queen Mary to whom it was given by the Maharaja of Mysore in 1923.

Punch’s Cousin, Chapter 401

“Now, Edward.” Robert said calmly as Edward Cage aimed the pistol at his ribcage, “surely, you don’t think you’ve anything to gain by shooting us?”


“I’ve got nothing to lose.” Edward smiled.

Robert slowly stepped toward Marjani, blocking her body with his own. “This woman has nothing to do with any of this. At least let her go.”

“Not hardly.” Edward snarled. “She’s as thick with the stink of your crimes as you are.”

“As are you,” Robert reminded the man. “I don’t care what the law says, purchasing another human being is wrong—even if your aim is to raise him as your own son.”

“And, is stealing him right?” Edward scowled.

“We’re all wrong. Each of us in our own way. I’m on the side of what should have been done in the first place. For whatever reason, the child’s mother decided to sell him to Iolanthe Evangeline. I’ve met Lady Barbara’s mother. The Duchess of Fallbridge alone was enough to drive someone to madness. Look at what her influence did to the Duke! God knows how she influenced Barbara. And, of course, there were other voices in her ears. But, none of that matters now. She should not have sold the boy. He belongs with his family—the Duke. You, Sir, are a self-professed supporter of family. Can’t you, for a moment, understand that the boy is better off being cared for by his own blood and inheriting what’s rightfully his?”

“Silence!” Edward Cage bellowed. “What I understand us that the boy is mine and will inherit what I see fit for him to!” He narrowed his eyes, “Now, you have two choices. Prison or the grave.”

Robert frowned. “Neither much appeals to me.”

“You think you’re so smart.” Edward laughed. “The whole lot of ya!”

As Edward Cage stepped forward, Gerard took the opportunity to spring toward him, reaching for his man’s right hand and hoping to disarm him.

A shot rang out through the palatial house.



Did you miss Chapters 1-400? If so, you can read them here.

Obscure Book of the Day: Queen Mary: A Picture Pageant of Her Wonderful Years

The Queen Consort's Coronation Oath

This splendid book, “Queen Mary: A Picture Pageant of Her Wonderful Years,” was published in Britain by the Daily Express sometime before the 1953 death of Her Majesty. Since there’s no date of publication, I would guess that this was published around 1950, if not a bit earlier. Clearly, the Dowager Queen was still living at the time of publication.

Not only does this book chronicle the life of Queen Mary from her birth as Princess Mary of Teck to her role as Queen Mother, but also it chronicles the lives of all British women from the time of Queen Victoria through the Second World War. It speaks of famous women and everyday women and shows us how the life of the Queen Consort helped to influence people around the world.

Let’s take a look inside…

The future Queen as a baby with her mother, HSM Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge, Duchess of Teck.

"Princess May" as she was known, with her brothers, and Princess Mary Adelaide and her volatile father, the Duke of Teck.

A modern woman driving her own horses, Princess May was always keenly independent.

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen mother) attend the Order of the Garter in Queen Mary's honor.

As a young woman, Mary of Teck's main duty was to keep up with her mother's correspondence. 

Mary of Teck became Victoria Mary, Duchess of York upon marrying Prince George, later King George V.

Mary was first engaged to Prince George's brother, Prince Albert Victor, who died of a sudden illness.  However, Queen Victoria was still keen that Princess May marry one of her grandsons.  Knowing that Mary would be an excellent future Queen, Victoria happily encouraged the courtship of Prince George, who would one day ascend the throne in his brother's place, and Princess Mary, 

Queen Mary and King George V with their eldest boy, Edward "David", the Great Abdicator and Kerfuffler. 

Queen Mary, prior to the 1911 coronation, still in mourning for her father-in-law, King Edward VII. 

On the splendid coronation day in 1911.

Keeping spirits raised during the Great War. 

During the First World War, Queen Mary thought nothing of helping soldiers cut down trees for much needed firewood. 

Thought broken-hearted over her eldest son's decision of "That Simpson Woman" over the crown, her Majesty was proud of her second son, "Bertie" as he ascended as King George VI.  She is proceeded at the 1936 coronation by Princess Elizabeth, now Queen Elizabeth II.  As I've noted before, Queen Mary broke protocol (an odd thing for someone with her love of tradition) and attended the coronation of her son.  Usually, the widow of the late King would remain in mourning and not attend the coronation of her husband's successor.  However, following the Abdication Kerfuffle (TM), Mary knew it best to show the nation that the Royal Family was in harmony and unison.

In her later years, at Marlborough House, tending to her hobby of gros point.  Seated in her garden, but still wearing diamonds and pearls. 

The book's final page reminds us that Queen Mary's life has touched everyone in the Commonwealth for the better. 

Object of the Day, Museum Edition: A Work Box, 1815

Work Box, 1815
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Here, we see a work box of wood and leather from the early part of the Nineteenth Century. Work boxes, were ostensibly containers for sewing and embroidery tools and materials, and were made up of many small compartments which allowed for easy organization. This particular box from the Victoria & Albert Museum also features a secret drawer behind the drawer at the front—a rather uncommon design for such a box--which opens by pulling a hidden catch. Clearly, this is an expensive example for a workbox and would have been made for a lady of leisure. Its leather cover and scene-printed silk lining tell us that this box, though practical, was also meant to be a luxurious status symbol.

The box retains most of its original fittings, including two fixed pin cushions which are covered with printed silk, and several lidded compartments. It still boasts its collection of small tools and souvenirs, such as a pin cushion in inlaid wood with silk-covered cushions at each end. This adorable cushion still bears a paper label that reads 'A trifle from BRIGHTON'. An ivory tape measure with its original silk tape, and a tiny circular needle case covered in green silk complete the set.

A brass plaque on the outside of the lid has not been engraved with initials, so we’ll never know to whom this box originally belonged. It was, however, purchased in the 1930s by Queen Mary, consort of George V (ruled 1910-1936) who made great efforts to collect as many various items from the Georgian and Victorian periods as she could. As she often did, Queen Mary bought this box with the V&A in mind. She gifted the item to the museum immediately after its purchase.

Mr. Punch Recounts Thanksgiving

Coo! You Americans know how to eat, you do. And, you know how to celebrate. See, this was me first Thanksgiving, if you will. See, I only been in this country a few months, and I didn’t know there was such a thing as Thanksgiving.

Don’t know what it is, ‘xactly, I don’t. Something ‘bout people with buckles on their hats standing on rocks and eatin’ turkeys. But, I’m guessin’ that the most ‘portant part ‘bout it is bein’ with your family and friends and bein’ thankful for all the good things what you got.

And, to be sure, I got things what I’m thankful for, too, I do. I got a nice house to live in and me Bertie Dog to keep me company. Then, there’s me professor who’s a nice enough bloke even if he doesn’t sit down for very long and always seems to be doin’ something what ain’t what I want to do.

So, let me tell ya ‘bout me first Thanksgivin’. Seems that most folks in this country spend most of their time in the kitchen makin’ food what’s gonna be to eat only not ‘til the next day.

First thing is that I saw that me professor’s mum made all sort of lovely things. Biscuits (not what you folk call cookies, but actual fluffy biscuits) and bread, and then, there were pies and them little cakes what you call cookies.

The cookies, see, they were shaped liked pumpkins and turkeys and were decorated with icing and looked ever-so pretty, they did. They was sugar cookies and they tastes, I’m told—since me mouth don’t open—nice and soft and wonderful. Then, there was pies. Pies made of pumpkin. Pies made of pecans and bourbon and chocolate chips. These are what’s called Derby pies. Me professors mum makes them for me professor since he don’t like pumpkin so very much. And, not, only where there big pies, but little ones what looked like wee tarts.

And, then, there was all sorts of other food. First, there was a fine soup made from butternut squash and pears which were served with mustard-sour cream and candied nuts. Then, a big turkey what was cooked to look like mahogany. The turkey was almost as big as the Bertie Dog. Then, there were this stuff called dressing what’s made of cornbread and white bread and sausage and onions and celery. Coo! If only I could taste and smell.

But, there were more. Potatoes mashed with parsnips. And, green beans with shallots and maple-glazed nuts. And cranberry and apricot compote what me professor’s mum made. Everyone ate and ate and ate, they did. Even Bertie did. And, everyone were happy and peaceful, they were, and it were good.

Now, I hear it’s time for Christmas. I know about Christmas, I do. I’m curious to see what an American Christmas is like. I bet there’s lots o’ eatin’ to be done.

Me professor is on a ladder right now, puttin’ lights on a big tree. That’s a good sign. That’s what I’m writing for ya today. He’ll be back tomorrow with all the usual stuff. Until then…

Clubs and hisses…

Mr. Punch