MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 124, 26 May 1923, Page 14

MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS

VALUABLE RELICS SOLD IN LONDON. An important section of the relics of Mary Queen of Scots weTe offered for sale in London recently on'behalf of Sir George Clark, Major Tytler, and others, and were purchased for a body of subscribers who wished to preserve them for Scotland. The King and Queen, the Prince of Wales, and the Duke of York contributed to the fund, and it is understood that the relics will be kept in public possession in Scotland. Two of the most interesting lots, however, are to go to America.

Nine of the articles offered have been in the- possession of the family of Sir George Olavk, of Penicuik, since 1646, coming to them through Gillies (Barbara) Mowbray), one of-- the Queen's ladies, states the "Daily Telegraph." At the outset the auctioneer stated that the Dowager Lady Clerk, who was present, had authorised him to state, on behalf of her son, the present baronet, that it was simply owing to the burden of taxation that "he was selling the relics, and Major Tytler stated that the same remark applied to himself. The first lot put up comprised a large gold necklace, a small tortoiseshell handpainted s ilk far,, a jewelled pendant, a medal struck to commemorate the betrothal of Queen Mary and Darnley, a coffer, a silk handkerchief, a reticule, and a lock of Prince Charlie's hair. These went at 400 guineas. The highest figure recorded was for a pendant set with diamonds, rubies, and pearls, given to the Queen by the Dauphin of France. Bidding opened at 60 guineas, and rose quickly by 10 guineas at a time to 1000 guineas, at which price a New York firm were declared the purchasers. The same buyers also gave 590 guineas for a. watch with shagreen case, which was given by the Queen, the night before _h er execution, to her attendant, Massie. There were also offered several other Stuart relics of great interest, which, it was announced, had been included in the sale at the eleventh hour by. the Marchioness of .Ormonde, the Countess of Airlie, the Countess of Kenmare, the Dowager-Countess of Antrim, Lady Henry Bentinck, and other ladies. These were being sold for the benefit of the Irish loyalists. The principal among them were a diamond and emerald ring, with the royal initials and crown, given by James 11. to his chaplain, which was secured for £65. and a _miniature of Charles 1., backed by hair and surmounted by a. crown, s%pported by two angels in enamel over a stall and cross.bonea, contained in n, filagree gold and enamel heart-shaped; frams^ with pearls. On the reverse sida is a piece of linen staingd with th.c blood of the King. This- miniature realised £51 the same buyer paying 67 guineas tor. tnne oval miniatures of Princess Clementina Sobieski (wife of the Pretender) himself,; and the Young Pretender. Miniature portraits of the Marquis of Montrose and the Earl of Strafford were, bought;by the Marquis of Graham for 43-guineas. . ,