 (2).jpg)
We are delighted to offer this historic Royal overcoat owned by H.M. King Edward VIII who later became the Duke of Windsor and who carried on wearing it after his abdication.
08/10/2024
View Lot Request a Valuation Contact a Specialist
The coat was tailor made in 1934 for the then Edward, Prince of Wales by Simpson & London Ltd. It has a very stylish military cut being made of dark blue wool twill with double breasted front, horn buttons, black Astrakhan wool collar and lined in nutria fur for extra warmth.
The Duke even mentions it in his book ‘A Family Album’ in which he recalls it was given to him as a present from his old friend and former equerry General Trotter and it had served him well as an invaluable cold weather asset: ‘In New York, when I venture out into the streets in the winter, I almost always put on a heavy fur lined overcoat.’ My grandfather, who liked to wear a coat with an Astrakhan collar might not have scorned this one of mine..’
After the Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s deaths the coat was sold along with the rest of their possessions by Sotheby’s in September 1997 (lot 2865) and has since been cherished by a private collector.
This is a rare opportunity to own a significant and very stylish piece of clothing belonging to one of the most famous Royal figures of the 20th century, who was regarded as a fashion icon in his own lifetime. It is estimated to fetch £2,000-3,000 in our Royal and Antiques Sale on Tuesday, 5th November 2024.
Harry Becker was born in Colchester in 1865 to German parents Henrietta and Charles. His father Charles, who served as a field surgeon in various campaigns including Crimea, was drafted to Colchester in 1856 and there they settled.
19/03/2026
A charming and historically significant letter written by A. A. Milne to his longtime collaborator and illustrator E. H. Shepard, revealing a previously unseen glimpse into the creative world of the Pooh books, will be offered for sale by Reeman Dansie auctioneers of Colchester on the 18th of March.
14/03/2026
Reeman Dansie are pleased to announce the sale by auction of a remarkable Second World War archive belonging to a nurse who bravely served during the fall of France, Miss Mary Edytha Darby.
14/03/2026