A startling discovery has been made in a Somerset wardrobe – baggy bloomers, a chemise, and slipper shoes once belonging to Queen Victoria. Passed down through generations, these rare items are set to go under the hammer at an upcoming auction by Hansons Auctioneers. Figures suggest that they could fetch thousands due to their historical significance and royal connection.
The waistband of the bloomers measures 50.8 cm, indicating a waist size of roughly 40 inches, providing a fascinating insight into the physical dimensions of the iconic monarch. Notty Hornblower, a period clothing consultant at Hansons, expressed excitement at the uncovering of these historically significant pieces.
The clothing’s provenance is equally enthralling, with ties to Sir Richard Hussey Bickerton, a distinguished figure in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, as well as a connection to one of Queen Victoria’s maids who gifted the items. The heritage of the Ilminster family, who held onto these heirlooms for over a century, further adds to the allure of these rare artifacts.
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These items, which have garnered attention on TV’s Antiques Roadshow, are a testament to Queen Victoria’s renowned generosity, as she often bestowed small items as gifts during her reign. Adorned with crown stamps and intricate embroidery, the bloomers and chemise offer a glimpse into the elegance and detail of Victorian undergarments.
The upcoming auction will also feature Queen Victoria’s leather slipper shoes, crafted by royal shoemakers Gundry & Sons of London’s Bond Street. Historical precedent suggests that such pieces have fetched substantial sums in previous auction sales at Hansons, with a pair of Queen Victoria’s bloomers, a chemise, and a nightdress commanding significant prices in past years.
The auction offers collectors and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to acquire tangible links to a defining figure in British history. As such, these items are expected to draw widespread interest and competitive bidding from royal memorabilia collectors and history enthusiasts alike.