AN Edwardian Austro-Hungarian 18-carat gold purse is set to go on sale in Bridport.

The two-colour yellow and white gold mesh purse, with a clasp set with two sapphire bullet cabochons and the frame set with twelve old cut diamonds, was gifted to Baroness Hindlip Georgina Millicent Morewood Allsopp (1846-1939) in 1909.

But now it is set to be sold at Busby Auctioneers & Valuers fine art sale on July 17.

Inside the purse is a message: ‘Given to Minnie Lady Hindlip by King Edward VII Christmas 1909′.

Baroness Hindlip Georgina Millicent Morewood Allsopp married the businessman and Conservative politician Samuel Allsopp, 2nd Baron Hindlip in 1868.

Despite Minnie Hindlip and King Edward VII not seemingly having a connection – especially one warranting such a generous gift – a civil servant’s diary entry of August 10, 1891 reveals more.

Edward Hamilton’s entry provided a list of members of the Marlborough Set, which named Samuel Allsopp, second Baron Hindlip, as being part of Edward, Prince of Wales’ (later King Edward VII) illustrious social group.

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Notable members also included Lord and Lady Randolph Churchill.

Correspondence held by the University of Cambridge includes a letter written by Minnie Hindlip to Lady Randolph Churchill whilst holidaying in Monte Carlo, where she states that she is enjoying the excitement of gambling.

Picture: Busby Auctioneers & Valuers

She is also known for her cookery book ‘Minnie, Lady Hindlip’s Cookery Book’, first published in 1925 and successful enough to warrant a revised edition, which was published in 1933.

The gold purse is housed within its original red tooled leather presentation box from ‘J. Spitz Jeweller to His Majesty The King, Pilsen Marienbad’, which suggests that it could have been purchased during King Edward’s trip to Austria in September 1904, as multiple buying appointments between the king and the jeweller J.

Spitz are documented in an amusing newspaper article from The Weekly Mail, September 3, 1904:

‘King Edward has been buying a considerable quantity of jewellery during his stay at Marienbad. An interesting story is told in connection with the purchases. Herr Spitz, the well-known local jeweller, took a selection of his choicest goods to His Majesty’s hotel for inspection.

‘Although it was morning, Herr Spitz wore evening dress, according to Austrian etiquette, which requires evening dress to be worn in the presence of royalty at any time of the day.

“I don’t like to see you in this ceremonial dress,” His Majesty said to the jeweller. “It is not necessary.”

On his second visit, Herr Spitz wore a black frock coat. “Your attire is still too formal to suit my taste,” said the King with a smile. “Why don’t you come to see me in the suit which you wear in your shop? I like you best in that.” Herr Spitz on his next visit wore his ordinary working clothes.’

Viewings for the sale are taking place on Saturday, July 12 from 10am to 12pm, Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 from 10am to 5pm, and on the day of the sale from 9am.

It will be offered with an estimate of £13,000 to £15,000.