AUTOGRAPHS OF EDWARD VIII AS PRINCE OF WALES AND HIS STAFF ON HIS PERSONAL LETTERHEAD, PRESENTED BY ADMIRAL HALSEY

EDWARD VIII. Autographs of the Prince of Wales Edward Windsor and his staff with accompanying letter. H.M.S. Renown, 1919. Two octavo sheets measuring 7-1/2 by 9-1/2 inches. Housed in a custom chemise and half morocco slipcase. $1750.

Autograph of Edward VIII as Prince of Wales (signed “Edward P.”) as well as the autographs of each member of his personal staff, headed by Rear Admiral Lionel Halsey. Accompanied by a letter of presentation from Admiral Halsey. Both documents are on the Prince of Wales’ personal stationery.

These autographs were granted at the request of Dr. Emmett Page, whose letter and self-addressed stamped envelope are also included. Dr. Page, a member of the family of Ambassador Page, was evidently a collector of autographs of British royal, military and political figures. His letter reads, in part: “I am of the family of our late Ambassador to / your Government at Court of St. James. I am greatly / interested in your and your Associates’ visit here / to us with your splendid Prince, H.R.H. Prince / Albert Edward… I want to get the Autographs of you and all / your Associates… and to add it to those of your Premier, Lloyd George, Field Marshall Haig and / many others of this date and war time…” Admiral Halsey’s letter, which presents the sheet of autographs, is dated November 27, 1919 from the H.M.S. Renown. It was in 1919 that Edward and his staff paid an official visit to the United States. The Prince was crowned King Edward VIII in 1936 at the age of 41, but abdicated months later to marry the twice-divorced American Wallis Simpson. From the noted collection of Julia Parker Wightman, with her bookplate.

Fine condition.