A pair of gold cufflinks presented by Queen Elizabeth II to the pilot who flew the body of the Duke of Windsor back to the UK sold for £1,700 – more than four times its low guide price of £400 at Hansons Auctioneers’ Kent saleroom in Penshurst today <Sept 16>.
The cufflinks were part of a treasure trove of presents given to Squadron Leader Denis Lowery (1925-2012) from royal heads of state from around the world, including the late Queen.
In all the 10-lot collection, which had been expected to sell for £5,500-£9,000 sold for £10,600 (£13,980 with fees). The top seller was a middle eastern-style 21ct gold necklace, weighing 109 grams, stamped with a khanjar – the national emblem of Oman – which sold for £3,100.
The piece was a present from the Sultan of Oman to Lt Col Lowery who, after a glittering career as an RAF pilot, was invited to join the Omani Royal Flight in 1974. In his time overseas he flew members of the Omani royal family, the visiting Jordanian royal family and middle eastern dignitaries as well as European heads of state.
A Breitling Navitimer watch, another gift from the sultan, also exceeded its pre-sale guide price of £300-£500 to hammer at £1,050.
A pair of 18ct gold cufflinks with a diamond star at the centre surrounded by a wreath given to Lt Col Denis Lowery by the Sultan of Oman, which had been expected to make £800-£1,200, hammered at £2,000; while a ladies Omega watch, also featuring a khanjar, estimated at £400-£600, sold for £1,500.
Auctioneer Charles Hanson said: “Bids flew in from around the UK and around the world, including Oman and New York. We were delighted to have found new homes for these wonderful pieces, each of which has a story to tell in paying homage to truly wonderful pilot and squadron leader with a truly international career.”
On May 31, 1972, Sqn Ldr Lowery flew the body of abdicated King Edward VIII to RAF Benson in Oxfordshire aboard a VC10 aircraft, three days after the died of throat cancer at his Paris home. The body was transported in an oak coffin covered in the Duke of Windsor’s personal standard. The Duke of Windsor’s last journey was captured in the opening scene of episode nine. Known for his smooth landings, the squadron flew members of the royal family including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and Princess Anne on their 1972 tour of southeast Asia.
In a glittering career Sqn Ldr Lowery, who described the late queen to his family as “utterly charming with piercing blue eyes”, flew a host of international dignitaries ranging from the Shah of Iran to Ken Dodd, as well as King Carlos of Spain, Betty Ford and Edward Heath. After joining the RAF in 1947, the father of seven, joined No. 10 Squadron based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire responsible for conducting VVIP (Very Very Important Person) including the royal family, government ministers and the prime minister.
In his time overseas he flew members of the Omani royal family, the visiting Jordanian royal family and Middle Eastern dignitaries as well as European heads of state. Teresa continued: “During that time my dad was the only pilot allowed to fly the Sultan of Oman’s mother. She was a nervous flyer, and my dad was known as a very steady pilot with a perfectly smooth landing. He also used to play classical music to calm her nerves.”
In the 1967 New Year Honours list he was awarded the Air Force Cross (AFC) for his service in the RAF. In 1985 he was awarded the rank of lieutenant colonel and awarded the Order of the Special Royal Emblem in the service of the Sultanate of Oman. After retiring he moved back to Lechlade-on-Thame, in Gloucestershire and then to Shipton under Wychwood in Oxfordshire.
