The Fine Art & Collectibles Sale
Lot 85:
Description
5 1/2 x 3 1/2 in (14 x 8.8 cm)
Provenance and Authentication:
This lot is accompanied by supporting documentation provided by the consignor. According to the accompanying materials, the signature was reviewed with reference to factors including ink characteristics, material aging, stylistic consistency, and historical context. These materials relate to the reported signature, provenance, and authentication history of the piece, and are presented as received for bidder review in accordance with the auction terms and conditions.
Autographed black-and-white photographic postcard, showing a young Princess Elizabeth smiling in a patterned dress, boldly signed "Elizabeth" across the lower portion in ink. Postcard verso unused, printed with a quote from King George VI. Published by Photochrom Co. Ltd., London and Tunbridge Wells. Circa late 1940s.
This striking autographed postcard captures a youthful Princess Elizabeth before her ascension to the throne, presenting a rare and intimate glimpse of Britain’s future queen. The image, rendered in soft monochrome tones, shows Elizabeth in a patterned dress with a natural, cheerful smile-an expression of warmth and optimism that resonated with the postwar British public. Her confident yet approachable presence in this portrait stands in contrast to the formality of royal iconography, emphasizing her human appeal in a time of national recovery.
The boldly inked "Elizabeth" signature across the lower section of the photograph demonstrates a steady and practiced hand, and aligns stylistically with known authentic examples from the 1940s. This personal inscription adds a deeply historical and emotional value, as it predates her coronation by several years, representing her identity as both royal and relatable. The verso side of the postcard includes a printed message quoting King George VI-"Help to make the world a better place and life a worthier thing"-enhancing the cultural and historical resonance of the piece.
Comparable early autographs from Princess Elizabeth, especially those on photographic portraits or postcards, have become increasingly scarce, particularly in well-preserved condition. Auction results for similar items have shown consistent appreciation in recent years, with values reaching into the several-thousand-dollar range depending on provenance and condition. Collectors of royal memorabilia, autograph seekers, and historians alike place high value on such early, legible signatures, particularly when paired with photographic likenesses.
Beyond its numismatic or autograph value, this signed postcard offers powerful historical context, evoking the era of a changing monarchy and the legacy of a young woman who would become one of the longest-reigning monarchs in British history. It is highly adaptable for display in curated settings, royal collections, or museums focusing on 20th-century British history and culture.
Condition: ALL PROPERTY IS SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH NO RETURNS OR CANCELLATIONS.
Additional photographs and condition reports may be provided upon request as a courtesy only. Any condition report, catalogue description, image, certificate, report, document, authentication statement, authentication opinion, specialist opinion, or communication regarding origin, date, age, attribution, authenticity, authorship, signature, condition, provenance, or value is an opinion only and not a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Yakon Auctions.
The absence of reference to defects, restoration, wear, damage, handling marks, conservation, alteration, or repair does not mean the lot is free from such matters. Photographs are for reference only and may not accurately reflect color, tone, dimensions, condition, signature details, or the true state of the lot. Buyers should review all images carefully, as they form part of the description.
Provenance is provided by the consignor, prior owner, or most recent owner and may not be supported by records. All reports, COAs, appraisals, authentication letters, provenance statements, invoices, labels, or related documents, including any opinions, analyses, or conclusions therein, are provided as received from the consignor, prior owner, or third party, and have not been independently verified by Yakon Auctions. Such materials are for reference only and are not guarantees of authenticity, authorship, signature, origin, age, period, provenance, condition, or value.
All artworks, antiques, collectibles, autographed items, signed memorabilia, music memorabilia, records, photographs, posters, entertainment collectibles, and related items are offered based on information and documentation provided with the lot. Unless expressly stated, Yakon Auctions has not independently authenticated any signature, inscription, attribution, authorship, association, provenance, pressing detail, edition, period, origin, or related documentation.
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