A Royal presentation silver cigarette case and accompanying letter from George VI to Lionel Logue

A Royal presentation silver cigarette case and accompanying letter from George VI to Lionel Logue,

the case by The Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company, London 1936,

rectangular form, engine turned decoration, applied with the Royal Cipher of George VI in gold, gilded interior, length 12.8cm, approx. weight 5.7oz.

The letter dated May 17th 1937 and written from Windsor Castle reads:

My dear Logue

The Queen and I have just viewed the film of our Coronation, and I could not wait to send you a few lines to thank you again for your hard work in helping me prepare for the great day.

You know how anxious I was to get my responses right in the abbey, the poor rehearsal adding greatly to my anxiety, but my mind was finally set at ease tonight. Not a moments hesitation or mistake

The same cannot be said of the Bishops of course, nor the pen I used to sign the Oath: the ink got all over my fingers, but fortunately one can hardly make it out.

The success was due to your expert supervision and unfailing patience with me over recent months, and I truly don't know how I could have done it without you.

I want you to know how grateful I am, not only for your invaluable help with my speech, but for your devoted friendship and encouragement, and I hope you will accept this small gift as a token of my appreciation.

Yours very sincerely

George R.I

dimensions of letter 24.5cm x 18.8cm. (2)

Provenance:

Lionel Logue, (1880-1953)

Herbert Logue, (1883-1954), (Lionel's brother)

Charles McGowan and Sons, 14 August 1953

Then by family descent to the current owner.

This lot is sold with an accompanying receipt dated 14 August 1953, stating that the case and letter was sold by Herbert Logue, of 54 Clifton Street, Prospect Port, to Charles McGowan of 9 Eton Arcade, Sutherland, in lieu of £27 for the outstanding payment of a graduated pearl necklace with a sapphire and diamond clasp.