Rare 1919 Private Photo Collection Prince of Wales Later King Edward VIII For Sale

Rare 1919 Private Photo Collection Prince of Wales Later King Edward VIII

Approximate sizes: 5.5 inches x 3.25 inches / 5.25 inches x 3.5 inches / 6.5 inches x just over 4.5 inches

This collection of three private photos (not press photos) are quite rare, and I've not been able to find these exact images anywhere else. The bottom left photo depicts the British royal visiting Grant's Tomb in New York City. The top picture depicts him inspecting his troops. The bottom right picture (made into an unposted real photo postcard) depicts him greeting mounted soldiers.

Regarding the Grant's Tomb photo:

This private photo is quite rare, and best I can tell, one of a kind. The photo is of the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII, later Duke of Windsor, visits Grant's Tomb in New York City in the year 1919.

In the photo, you can clearly see Grant's tomb in the background. On the back it had in antique ink describing which person is the prince and what he's doing. It reads: "Prince of Wales at Grant's Tomb. Prince getting in car closer to curb in foreground."

It's exciting to think about how this photo was taken by someone in the crowd, in person, when the Price of Wales, who later would abdicate his throne as king to marry a commoner (Wallis Simpson), visited the United States.

In that year, 1919, Edward the Prince of Wales toured the country of Canada and accepted an invitation from President Woodrow Wilson to visit the White House. President Wilson was unfortunately bedridden and under the weather at the time, so a “bemedalled staff of admirals and generals” was sent out to greet the Prince when he first arrived at Rouses Point.

On November 10, the Prince arrived at the train station. Awaiting him there were Secretary of State Lansing, Major General John offerdle of the US Army, Rear Admiral Albert T. Niblick of the US Navy, and Major General Charleston of the British army, a fitting welcoming party for any royalty.

The military band of Plattsburgh’s 63rd US Infantry was stationed on hand to play both the British and American national anthems. An unusual canopy was held up by a group of young ladies (the flags of both countries sewn together) while Prince Edward strolled beneath it, shaking the hand of each.

Security for the trip was at the highest level ever seen for a long time. Departments like FBI agents, D&H Railroad Police, NYS Police Troop B officers, and the entire 26th Infantry from Plattsburgh handled the important assignment: “… practically every station, crossing, culvert, underpass, and overpass will be patrolled for hours before the royal train passes through this section.”

The royal tour of Canada, shortly after the U.S. visit, received worldwide media coverage, but the US portion, described as “a private diplomatic mission” was more low-key.

Regarding the other two photos:

The dates aren't specified for these two, although it's likely in the 1914-1920 range. The larger photo was taken for one of the soldier's nephew, as it states his Uncle's name on the back: Perpe C. Johnston looks to be the name.

There are a few condition issues to be noted:

Regarding the mounted soldier photo: a small crease on the right edge, a little silvering to the photo surface in the darkest areas, and some minor tip wear.

Regarding the largest photo: the condition is fair - brittle. The tear on the front right has tape on it on the back. There is another tear at the top that is unmended. There is a crease near the seal on the front left.

Regarding the Grant's Tomb photo: there is some wear along the edges, but nothing serious of note that I've spotted.

Please inspect the pictures, as they give the best representation of condition. May have discoloring, edge or corner wear, marks, creases, fading, smudges, corner or edge bends, tears, or corners missing.

(D50/C42 inventory number)