LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 Feb Grand Format Book & Manuscript #682  / 

56255

Sir Ralph Harwood: Archive Re. His Retirement

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:240.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 750.00 USD
Sir Ralph Harwood: Archive Re. His Retirement
<B>Sir Ralph Harwood: Archive Regarding His Retirement.</B></I> A grouping of letters and photos dated in 1936 and 1937. This was an incredibly stressful period for the Royal Household. Their beloved King George V had died on January 20, 1936 to be succeeded by his son, King Edward VIII. By the end of that same year, Edward abdicated his throne due to his unpopular desire to marry the American divorcee Wallis Simpson. By the time that King George VI ascended to the throne on December 11th, it was already Sir Ralph's plan to retire in January of 1937; he continued through with those plans. This lot contains several letters written to him mostly from the Palace Steward, a Mr. T. Tubbs, about his service and retirement.<BR><BR>Apparently, the staff thought very highly of Sir Ralph. This is made evident by one of the letters in this lot. In response to a call by the Palace Steward to subscribe to a staff presentation (a copy of which is enclosed), one staff member writes: "<I>Dr. Mr. Tubbs Many thanks for your letter. I am so sorry that after all Sir Ralph is really leaving us. How I wish he could have remained, he has always been a real friend to us, and as far as the staff is concerned he will never be replaced, he always took such pains to understand us, and would rather do a good turn than a bad one. I well remember when he came to B. P. [Buckingham Palace] with the "Hatchet"- how we all feared him, but he saved the money without taking a penny from the staff, he is really a very fine gentleman and I am anxious to subscribe to his present...</B></I>" In all, there are six letters, two B&W photos of and the subscriber list for his retirement presentation (a gorgeous silver serving set), and a blank mourning-bordered Buckingham Palace letterhead. All in fine condition.<BR><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Requires 3rd Party Shipping (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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