Pages
Lot Number:
9
A fine wooden box,7.5" x 4.5",with printed paper label on its lid depicting a monarch in
coronation robes contains within its paper-lined interior a book detailing 16 English monarchs
with a description of the physical appearance and reign of each,along with a numbered
costume on heavy pasteboard and having self base with vignette elements for each monarch
(the numbers corresponding to the booklet chapters). Included are two hand-drawn (not
original) faces,6 hats and 2 crowns. The costumes are each initialed W.H.B. and the booklet
bears the mark of James Izzard,London. Very fine condition of costumes,one end of box lid
missing. James Izzard,London,early 1820's. Historical Note: the set was presented shortly
after the 1821 coronation of George IV and provides an entertaining perspective on the
propaganda power of a (presumably) child's plaything. Whereas the writer described earlier
monarchs in such terms as "his character was an odd mixture of sense and folly" (James I) and
"the length and narrowness of her face prevented her from having any just pretensions to
beauty" (Elizabeth),George IV was described as "tall and extremely well proportioned and is
esteemed handsomehis kindness,affability and condescension endear him to all".

Realized Price:
$5,600
Presale Estimate:
6000/8500