This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/24/2024
King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson’s Iconic 1937 Wedding Archive - Featuring Boxed Piece of Wedding Cake, Dried Pieces of the Bridal Bouquet and Autographs
This archive, which came through the estate of a member of a King’s entourage, is up for auction. The highlight of course is one of the fabled pieces of cake from Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson’s wedding in 1937 – which inspired Madonna to make her film "W.E." But not only this: even dried flowers from the wedding bouquet as well as many personal dedications (pictures, letters, autographs) are included. The daughter of Margarete Richter, a familiar traveling companion of Edward and Wallis in the years 1937-1938, has given these items to our consignor. The complete archive includes:
One of the famous boxed pieces of wedding cake from Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson’s wedding on 3 June 1937.
Dried pieces (twig, leaves and flower petals) from Wallis Simpson’s bridal bouquet.
A signed Christmas card (year unknown) from the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, including a silver-embossed W&E cipher and a detailed, engraved portrait of the couple.
Two unsigned Christmas and New Year’s cards from the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (1956 & 1958)
A typed and signed letter from Wallis Simpson to Grete Richter (with the royal seal, dated 4 September 1954, Baden-Baden), in which she refers to a recent reunion and a gift of money from the royal couple to Grete and her baby daughter (+ Grete's answer letter)
A signed copy of Edward VIII’s memoirs in German "Eines Königs Geschichte. Die Memoiren des Herzogs von Windsor" (2nd edition, 1951), with a personalized dedication to "Margarethe Richter, mit besten Grüsse, Edward" (dated "VIII-22-56").
A signed photograph of Edward VIII and Wallis during a visit to Schloss Schönbrunn, Vienna (dated "VIII-22-56")
Two large photographs of Edward VIII and Wallis in Antibes, France (undated, but very likely 1937).
A small photograph of Edward VIII and Wallis in Antibes, France (1937).
Two small, cut out portraits of Edward VIII and Wallis.
Visiting card "The Duke of Windsor"- group photograph of Grete Richter, Peter Copp and three unknown people, also thought to be staff of the Royal Family.
A 1937 Coronation of King Edward VIII Mini/Booklet Calendar- photograph of a villa in Antibes, which the Royal Couple likely stayed at.
A picture postcard "Souvenir du Mariage de S.A. le Duc de Windsor - Chateau de Candé, 3 Juin 1937".
Four printed panorama picture postcards of the Grand Hotel du Cap d'Antibes, which the Royal Couple likely stayed at in France.
A Visiting card of Mrs. Charles Eugene Bedaux.
This incredible archive is a one-of-a-kind opportunity. The last time a piece of cake was up for auction was in 1998 and it sold for $30,000!
Good condition.
Authentication: Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.