Thatcher’s red box stars in $5 million sale | CNN

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Thatcher’s red box stars in $5 million sale

Updated 6:14 AM EST, Wed December 16, 2015
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Thatcher's red box was one of a number delivered to the prime minister on a daily basis containing documents for her attention. New boxes are ordered every year, and their design and function has remained virtually unchanged since the 1860s when the first one was made for William Ewart Gladstone. Thatcher's sold for $367,000 (£242,500) -- almost 50 times the top estimate of $7,500.
Thatcher's red box was one of a number delivered to the prime minister on a daily basis containing documents for her attention. New boxes are ordered every year, and their design and function has remained virtually unchanged since the 1860s when the first one was made for William Ewart Gladstone. Thatcher's sold for $367,000 (£242,500) -- almost 50 times the top estimate of $7,500.
LEON NEAL/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Thatcher is thought to have worn this scarlet crepe swing coat and matching straight skirt during a visit to the U.S. The Prime Minister rarely wore red in the UK because of its association with the rival Labour Party. It sold for $4,166 (£2,750) -- above the top estimate of $1,818.
Thatcher is thought to have worn this scarlet crepe swing coat and matching straight skirt during a visit to the U.S. The Prime Minister rarely wore red in the UK because of its association with the rival Labour Party. It sold for $4,166 (£2,750) -- above the top estimate of $1,818.
Carl Court/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
This 26-inch Kaiser biscuit model of an American bald eagle was given to Thatcher by Ronald Reagan. The piece sold for $403,000 (£266,500) -- above the top estimate of $12,120.
This 26-inch Kaiser biscuit model of an American bald eagle was given to Thatcher by Ronald Reagan. The piece sold for $403,000 (£266,500) -- above the top estimate of $12,120.
Carl Court/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
A note from former U.S. President Ronald Reagan beat estimates, selling for $49,000 (£32,500) -- well above the top estimate of $2,727. In the note, Reagan apologizes for his belated birthday wishes to Thatcher's husband, Denis. He writes, "I no longer have birthdays -- just anniversarys (sic) of my 39th."
A note from former U.S. President Ronald Reagan beat estimates, selling for $49,000 (£32,500) -- well above the top estimate of $2,727. In the note, Reagan apologizes for his belated birthday wishes to Thatcher's husband, Denis. He writes, "I no longer have birthdays -- just anniversarys (sic) of my 39th."
Carl Court/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Thatcher wore this royal blue crepe suit during her famous "no, no, no" speech in the House of Commons, during a debate over greater powers for Europe on October 30, 1990. Weeks later, she was deposed as British PM. The suit sold for $41,000 (£27,000) -- above the top estimate of $4,545.
Thatcher wore this royal blue crepe suit during her famous "no, no, no" speech in the House of Commons, during a debate over greater powers for Europe on October 30, 1990. Weeks later, she was deposed as British PM. The suit sold for $41,000 (£27,000) -- above the top estimate of $4,545.
Carl Court/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Blue suits were a favorite of the former Prime Minister, as the color of her beloved Conservative Party. Here, Thatcher acknowledges applause on October 13, 1989, at the end of the party conference in Blackpool.
Blue suits were a favorite of the former Prime Minister, as the color of her beloved Conservative Party. Here, Thatcher acknowledges applause on October 13, 1989, at the end of the party conference in Blackpool.
AFP/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
This fine George III diamond flower brooch sold for $240,000 (£158,500) -- above the top estimate of $18,000. The six-petaled flower, set with cushion, pear and circular-cut diamonds, dates back to 1800. It was acquired by Thatcher soon after she became Prime Minister, Sotheby's said.
This fine George III diamond flower brooch sold for $240,000 (£158,500) -- above the top estimate of $18,000. The six-petaled flower, set with cushion, pear and circular-cut diamonds, dates back to 1800. It was acquired by Thatcher soon after she became Prime Minister, Sotheby's said.
Carl Court/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Thatcher wore the Aquascutum fawn gaberdine raincoat (center) as she maneuvered a tank at a NATO training ground in Fallingbostel in Germany in 1986. The photo of Thatcher in a white coat and scarf, driving a tank flying the British flag became one of the defining images of the former "Iron Lady." It sold for $17,991 (£11,875) -- near the bottom of pre-sale estimates.
Thatcher wore the Aquascutum fawn gaberdine raincoat (center) as she maneuvered a tank at a NATO training ground in Fallingbostel in Germany in 1986. The photo of Thatcher in a white coat and scarf, driving a tank flying the British flag became one of the defining images of the former "Iron Lady." It sold for $17,991 (£11,875) -- near the bottom of pre-sale estimates.
Carl Court/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

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