A pair of Queen Victoria`s bloomers, with a 50-inch waist, were snapped up for almost
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| The bloomers... |
Barbara Rusch of Toronto has collected Queen Victoria memorabilia of all kinds for about 25 years, but has never been able to bid on a pair of her bloomers before.
"So this is a wonderful, wonderful find for me today and a great acquisition, a great treasure to add to my collection," she said.
The handmade knickers, dating back to the 1890s, bear the monogram "VR" for Victoria Regina. They are open-crotch style, with separate legs joined by a drawstring at the waist -- popular in the late Victorian era.
The royal drawers belonged to a family in western England whose ancestor was a lady-in-waiting for the Queen.
Auctioneer Charles Hanson said: "These pants, considering their provenance and pedigree, are very exciting.
"They are monogrammed and crested and we know that they are hers."
Ms. Rusch was also the winning bidder for a Queen Victoria chemise, with a 66-inch bust.
A Queen Victoria nightgown sold for $11,000.
Before the auction, Mr. Hanson valued the underwear at $1,000, while the chemise and nightgown were valued at $600 each.
Ms. Rusch, whose collection also includes a pair of Queen Victoria pink hand-embroidered stockings, said Victoria was in the habit of having her clothing, especially her underclothing, embroidered with her initials VR, surmounted by her crown.
