Lot 131
131
A LATE VICTORIAN ALLIGATOR SKIN DRESSING-CASE
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more
A LATE VICTORIAN ALLIGATOR SKIN DRESSING-CASE

CIRCA 1890

Details
A LATE VICTORIAN ALLIGATOR SKIN DRESSING-CASE
CIRCA 1890
With the monogram of the Flying Duchess, MVB, enclosing a fitted watered-silk interior, signed 'To Her Majesty the Queen, Drew & Sons, 98, 35/37 Piccadilly Circus SW', with lots of fitted compartments, distressed, the lock stamped 'J.T. Needs, 100 New Bond Street.', with the label 'Old dressing case' and a leather and green canvas-lined suitcase with labels for Capetown, etc., distressed
The dressing-case - 16 in. (40.7 cm.) wide; the suitcase - 27 in. (68.6 cm.) wide (2)
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis

Lot Essay

This dressing-case belonged to the 'Flying Duchess' Mary, wife of the 11th Duke of Bedford. A lady of many talents, including nursing, aviation, painting, fishing and photography, as well as a first class shot. The Duchess became increasingly independent with her flying and in March 1937, she set off in her de Havilland Gipsy Moth aircraft, from her hangar in the park towards Cambridge to complete her 200 hours of solo flying. She was never found. Mementoes of her extraordinary life can be seen in The Flying Duchess' Room.

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