The Spectator Geneva, April 1987, reports on the 'auction of the century' of the late Duchess of Windsors jewellery collection at Sothebys auction house in Geneva. Questions have circulated around the collections murky provenance since Wallis Simpson stepped onto the scene, and Richard Wallace delves into the mystery surrounding this hoard.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 08 August 2024
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

An Engaging Story - The Spectator Geneva, April 1987

The staid Swiss town of Geneva is awash with limousines, journalists, and minor European aristocracy. All the best hotels and restaurants are bursting at the seams. Caviar, truffles, and foie gras are in short supply, while champagne is flooding the market at ridiculously high prices. They are all focused on one place: Sotheby's auction house, which is preparing to host the 'auction of the century' - that of the late Duchess of Windsors' jewelry collection. But where did this treasure trove come from? And was it ever really the Duchess at all? Questions have circulated around the collection's murky provenance since the moment Wallis Simpson stepped onto the scene; now, for the first time, 'The Kings Loot' looks to find the answers. Drawing on eyewitness interviews, contemporary accounts, and previously unpublished sources, Richard Wallace - who was there at that notorious Swiss auction - delves into the mystery surrounding this hoard.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 166 x 241 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803994383