Prime ministers’ auctions: British political memorabilia goes under the hammer

International Autograph Auctions offers this colour photograph signed by six 20th century prime ministers. It has an estimate of £200-300 in the sale on April 25.

• Frances Allitt
  
• 20 Apr 2019

From a Royal Doulton jug commemorating a leader long past to a cigarette case featuring a PM to come, there’s much to choose from at a range of price points.

Margaret Thatcher’s Chequers vase

This Witelaw two-handled vase is offered in the sale of Margaret Thatcher memorabilia starting May 2 at Christie’s online. It has an estimate of £700-1000.

This ‘Whitelaw’ two-handled vase is included in an auction of Margaret Thatcher’s memorabilia (1979-90) taking place at Christie’s. Starting online on May 2, it coincides with the 40^th anniversary of Margaret Thatcher’s historic election as the UK’s first female Prime Minister and constitutes the third and final part in a trilogy of auctions held as part of the arrangements following the death of Mrs Thatcher in 2013.

It comprises 170 lots relating to her time in offices at estimates ranging from £100-15,000. This late 20^th century vase is painted with the Palace of Westminster and Chequers.

The rim is inscribed 15 October 1985 and With Love from Willie & Celia to the base. It has an estimate of £700-1000.

Harold Wilson’s HP sauce

This HP Sauce bottle with Harold Wilson’s name on the label goes under the hammer at Hansons on May 10.

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Mary Wilson the wife of Prime Minister Harold Wilson (1964-70 and 1974-76) said: "If Harold has a fault, it is that he will drown everything with HP Sauce.”

A bottle of “Wilson’s gravy”, as it was subsequently known, is offered next month at Hansons in Derbyshire. It is part of a larger sale of his collection, which includes, paintings, letters, photographs and various pieces of memorabilia.

Signed Downing Street photo

International Autograph Auctions offers this colour photograph signed by six 20th century prime ministers. It has an estimate of £200-300 in the sale on April 25.

Nottingham auction house International Autograph Auctions offers this colour photograph of the entrance to 10 Downing Street individually signed by six prime ministers with an estimate of £200-300 in its April 25 sale.

The names of Alec Douglas-Home (1963-64), Harold Wilson (1964-70, 1974), Edward Heath (1970-74), James Callaghan (1976-79), Margaret Thatcher (1979-90) and John Major (1990-97) all appear written in blue or black ink appear around the 8 x 10in (20.5 x 26.5cm) photo.

Churchill Cigarette Case

This cigarette case featuring a enamel of Winston Churchill is offered at John Nicholson’s sale on April 25. It has an estimate of £100-150.

Winston Churchill (1940-45 and again from 1951-55) is probably the most collectable of 20^th century Prime Ministers thanks to the memorabilia surrounding him as well as the paintings he produced himself.

However, this engine turned cigarette case from Birmingham, pre-dates his time as national leader. Produced in 1920, when he was Secretary of State for War it includes an enamel portrait of him.

It has an estimate of £100-150 at John Nicholson’s on April 25.

Duke of Wellington Doulton jug

This large Royal Doulton jug depicting the Duke of Wellington is offered with an estimate of $100-150 at Whitley’s Auctioneers in Florida on April 28.

A large Royal Doulton jug of the Duke of Wellington is offered at Whitley’s Auctioneers in Florida on April 28. The duke that led the British to victory in the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815, also served as Prime Minister from 1828-30.

The handle is in the shape of a Waterloo banner above a canon. The character might be among the oldest figures on this list, but the jug itself is not. Designed my William K Harper it was issued in 1989. It is from an edition of 5000, measures 7in high and has an estimate of $100-150.