A grandma was filled with emotion when her treasured cot blanket made by Queen Mary – won in a bonnie baby competition in 1938 – sparked an auction bidding battle.
The royal memento was 83-year-old Kathleen Pritchard’s most treasured possession. It was even taken into bomb shelters during the Second World War. But she decided to part with it to help children caught up in Ukraine’s conflict.
Kathleen, from Rainham, Essex, and her family made the journey to Hansons Auctioneers’ Derbyshire saleroom to watch the blanket go under the hammer in the firm’s Royal Memorabilia Platinum Jubilee Auction (May 26). It sold to a private UK buyer for £400. Proceeds will go to Save The Children’s Ukrainian appeal.
Kathleen’s granddaughter Carlie Bussey, 42, from, New Barn, Kent, an IT manager with Direct Line Group, said: “It was a very emotional day all round with nan parting with her beloved blanket. But it was for such a worthy cause. The hole left in nan’s heart from the sale of the blanket has been far outweighed by the wonderful memories we’ve gained together as a family during the experience.
“Charles Hanson [owner of Hansons Auctioneers] and everyone at Hansons have been so amazingly supportive. From first valuation to sale nan has been treated like royalty. She’s thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It’s been a bit of a journey with road trips to Derbyshire but well worth it to see the look on nan’s face. The auction was fantastic.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. We couldn’t have wished for better memories and feel privileged to be able to help such a worthy cause.”
Kathleen’s mum, Florence, won the blanket in a bonnie baby competition spotted at a mother and baby clinic in Islington, London, in 1938. Two blankets were up for grabs – pink for a girl and blue for a boy – and Florence picked up the prize for Kathleen whose middle name is Mary, after the queen.
The blanket still has its original ‘1st prize’ tag and a handwritten note on Marlborough House headed paper saying ‘Made by Her Majesty, Queen Mary, 1938’. Queen Mary (1867-1953), the wife of King George V, was queen from May 6, 1910 to January 29, 1936. She died in 1953 aged 85.
Kathleen, a retired machinist with seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren said: “The blanket was my mother’s most precious possession. It was never used but kept in a box in a draw. It was only given to me after I got married and became pregnant with my twins, Steven and Alan.
“We all love the royal family and are very proud of the royal connection. I have a picture of the Queen above my television set and a plate with Queen Mary’s portrait on.”
Carlie said: “Nan has so many grandchildren and great grandchildren she couldn’t possibly choose between us to hand it down. She’s been extremely saddened by the conflict in Ukraine and wanted to raise some money to help children over there. She chose Save the Children’s Ukraine appeal as Princess Anne is patron and her great grandmother made the blanket.”
Charles Hanson said: “I was thrilled by this action result and delighted to give Kathleen the royal treatment. It was thoroughly deserved thanks to her kind gesture. I was moved by her decision to part with her most treasured possession for Save The Children. It was a privilege to help her.”
The Queen Mary blanket sold on May 26 in Hansons Auctioneers’ Royal Memorabilia Platinum Jubilee Auction at Etwall Auction Centre, Derbyshire. All types of memorabilia invited for forthcoming sales. To arrange a free valuation email [email protected]
