BOUGHT AT AUCTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20626, 26 July 1930, Page 3 (Supplement)

BOUGHT AT AUCTION.

CORONET SOLD FOR A " SONG.*

BIDDING FOR DUKE'S ROBES.

Women formed the principal part of tho large crowd which gathered at Hornby Castle, near Bedale, Yorkshire, a four weeks ago, when the ducal coronet and coronation robes belonging to the late Duko of Leeds were offered for sale auction in tho great hall of tha castle. The auctioneer, on tho sixth day of tho sale, when ho reached th<9 coronet, which was lot 1683, simply announced it as m ducal coronet in silver gilt, ermine and crimson velvet. Ho did! not extol its handsome appearance, and it was simply displayed on the lid of a cardboard box. No history of tho coionet and robes was given, but it was learned from the household staff that the articles wore lasi worn by the former Duko of Leeds at the coronation of King George. The " starting prico" for tho coronet was £3 3a, and at £8 18s 6d it was knocked down to a buyer whoso name wan not disclosed. Tho ermine-trimmed, crimson velvet cloak and coat wore next offered, and the bidding was more spirited. Tho first offer was £5 ss, and tho prico quickly advanced to £27 6s, at which price tho hammer fell. It was announced by the auctioneer that tho purchaser was a prominent North Riding gentleman, Captain Riloy Lord. Captain Riley Lord stated after the salo that ho had bought tho robes for the Hon. Robert James, of Richmond, but ho did not kno-v to what use they wore to bo put, but thoy would probably bo unod for araatour theatricals.