Margaret Thatcher, known as the "Iron Lady", was the first female prime minister of the United Kingdom and a highly polarizing figure in British politics.
Her personal items and memorabilia have become highly sought after by collectors.
Here are 10 of the most valuable pieces of Margaret Thatcher memorabilia that have sold at auction, along with their significance and value:
1. Handbag:
In 2011, one of Margaret Thatcher's famous handbags sold at auction for £25,000 (approximately $33,000 USD). Thatcher was known for her love of handbags, and they became a symbol of her leadership style.
2. Speech Manuscripts:
In 2015, a collection of handwritten speech manuscripts by Thatcher sold for £28,000 (approximately $37,000 USD). The manuscripts were for speeches Thatcher gave between 1968 and 1972, before she became prime minister.
3. Engagement Diary:
In 2018, one of Thatcher's engagement diaries from 1984 sold for £15,000 (approximately $20,000 USD). The diary included notes on her meetings with world leaders such as Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev.
4. Blue Suit:
In 2015, a blue wool suit worn by Thatcher sold for £25,000 (approximately $33,000 USD). The suit was worn by Thatcher during a visit to the White House in 1985.
5. Cartier Gold Watch:
In 2017, a gold Cartier watch owned by Thatcher sold for £25,000 (approximately $33,000 USD). The watch was a gift from her husband, Denis Thatcher.
6. Paintings:
In 2015, two paintings by Thatcher sold at auction for a total of £40,000 (approximately $53,000 USD). Thatcher was known to paint in her free time, and the paintings were landscapes of her country home in Chester Square.
7. Red Box:
In 2016, one of Thatcher's famous red dispatch boxes sold for £242,500 (approximately $320,000 USD). The box was used by Thatcher to carry important documents, and became a symbol of her authority.
8. Signed Photograph:
In 2015, a signed photograph of Thatcher sold for £5,000 (approximately $6,600 USD). The photograph showed Thatcher with her cabinet, and was signed by her.
9. Clothing:
In 2015, a collection of Thatcher's clothing, including dresses, coats, and suits, sold for a total of £73,125 (approximately $97,000 USD).
10. Silver Tea Service:
In 2012, a silver tea service owned by Thatcher sold for £10,000 (approximately $13,000 USD). The tea service was a gift from the US government to Thatcher in 1988.
These pieces of Margaret Thatcher memorabilia represent not only her personal style and taste, but also her political legacy and impact on British history.
From her famous handbags and red dispatch box to her personal belongings and artwork, these items provide a unique insight into the life and times of one of Britain's most controversial and influential prime ministers.
They are a symbol of Thatcher's lasting impact on politics and culture, and a reminder of her enduring legacy.
About your Author:
Adrian Roose has over 30 years’ experience covering all aspects of the rare stamp & memorabilia industry during which he has sold over £50m of unique items, helping build collections for Royalty, household name celebrities and 1,000s of collectors around the world.
Adrian was previously a Director at Stanley Gibbons, a Board Member of Stampex, and Executive Director of Paul Fraser Collectibles, PFC Auctions and JustCollecting, prior to founding The Memorabilia Club.