Queen Victoria signed thousands of letters and documents over the course of her reign.
But prices are still high.
You can expect to pay upwards of $1,000 for a decent specimen.
While relatively common, demand has exploded for Victoria’s autograph.
Here’s why…
Global impact
At its height, the British Empire covered a quarter of the world’s landmass.
The empire is not remembered with much fondness in its former dominions.
(Image: Wikimedia Commons)
But it remains a major part of history - one that shaped the world as it is today.
The European colonial powers carved up Africa, south east Asia and the Middle East between themselves.
Many modern nations didn’t exist before those lines on the map were drawn.
As the figurehead of the 19th century's strongest colonial power, Victoria's portrait hung on every continent.
Her memorabilia has a global reach as a result.
She’s woven into the history of hundreds of nations.
Icon
Victoria remains the most recognisable icon of the 1800s.
And her status is not purely related to power.
She was a key cultural figure.
Her distinctive sense of style led fashion for decades, particularly in the UK.
Her choice of a white wedding dress remains the standard for brides in western countries.
Alongside her husband, Prince Albert, she presided over huge reforms in British society.
And when she switched to wearing black after Albert’s death, the rest of Britain followed suit.
Few European royals have ever enjoyed such popularity.
Victoriana is back in fashion
For years, the Victorian era was a shorthand.
It stood for gloomy, overblown architecture, poverty and miserable working conditions.
Today things are different.
Victorian architecture is celebrated and lovingly preserved.
The fashions of the era are represented in the ruffles, lace and bows on the catwalks of Paris and Milan.
Victoria has been the subject of various dramatisations, most recently the movie Victoria & Abdul (2016).
She's also celebrated as a feminist icon.
This re-examining of Victoria’s legacy is excellent news for collectors of her memorabilia.
It ensures there will be a market long into the future.
Paul Fraser.
PS. Do you have a Queen Victoria autograph you’re looking to sell? I may be able to help. Get in touch today at info@paulfrasercollectibles.com.
