By royal appointment... Henry VIII letter for sale in descending auction

Thursday 05 October 2023

A Jersey memorabilia dealer has launched an auction with a difference to sell a letter signed by King Henry VIII during the early years of his reign.

Topped with the monarch's 'Henry R' signature, the letter dates from 1513 and is being sold via a so-called 'Dutch auction' in which the price of a lot is reduced until it is sold.

Paul Fraser Collectibles, based in St Helier, believes this is the first time that the descending auction technique – originally used by 17th Century flower sellers in the Netherlands to drive quick sales for their tulips – has been used for a Henry VIII document.

Pictured: The letter, which was signed by Henry VIII in 1513, will have a starting price of £65,000.

The letter went on sale for £65,000 today, with the price set to drop by £5,000 at 16:00 every day until sold.

Mike Hall, chief executive at Paul Fraser, said the auction would be commission-free and offer a chance to own an important piece of English history for a low price.

Henry VIII was just 22, and in the fourth year of his reign, when he signed the letter in December 1513 at Windsor Castle.

The letter instructs Sir Andrew Windsor, keeper of the great wardrobe, to supply cloth to be made into gowns.

Further details are available at paulfrasercollectibles.com.