A 19th century mini postbox thought to belong to Queen Victoria has been discovered in a cottage near Dunsfold, Surrey. Dating from around 1880, the curved wooden box with royal cypher ‘VR’ (Victoria Regina) is believed to have been used for the royal post at Osborne House.
 
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert purchased the Osborne estate on Isle of Wight in 1845 to create a private home away from court life. After Albert’s death, Victoria continued to visit Osborne House, finding solace in one of her favourite homes. Following her death in 1901, King Edward VII presented the house to the state on his coronation.
 
Chris Kirkham, associate director of Hansons London uncovered the post box during a routine home visit. Hansons, where the letterbox will be auctioned this month, was called to assess several unusual items, a collection gathered through a lifetime passion for antiques and collectables.
 
The seller’s grandfather bought the post box in the 1940s at a Carisbrooke sale which offered many items relating to Osborne House. The London based seller explained, “we think the post box may have been given as a festive gift as we found a Christmas card inside. It’s hard to part with family heirlooms, but this royal item deserves to be seen and enjoyed.”
 
The table postbox is set for auction on January 28 with an estimate of £4,000-£6,000.