King George VI "Bertie" and Elizabeth, Queen Mother Signed Christmas Card (1936) Royal Christmas card from 1936, measuring 12.5 x 7.75 open, the inside featuring an aerial image of the royal family’s country retreat, the Royal Lodge, signed and inscribed on the adjacent page in fountain pen, "To Neva, from Bertie, 1936” and “Elizabeth.” In very good to fine condition, with light toning and soiling to the front cover, and a block of toning to the signature area from the lightly silvered facing photo. A highly desirable card given its early date and informal signatures — King George VI, who was named Albert at birth and known as "Bertie" to his family and close friends, ascended to the royal throne on December 11, 1936.

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.