The lots, carrying a combined upper estimate of £70,000, were all purchased in a sale at Sotheby’s Geneva in April 1987.
An onyx pocket watch by Cartier includes a telling inscription: Easter 12/4/36. It refers to Easter 1936. Edward, who succeeded his father as king in January that year, spent Easter with Simpson at Fort Belvedere with a few guests. By December he had abdicated and in June 1937 he married divorcee Simpson.
The collection will be offered at Henry Aldridge & Son Collectors’ Items and Antiques auction on July 21 in Devizes.