Mourning Stationery

Today, I decided to empty the large shoebox full of in memoriam cards. As I emptied it from the top, I turned the cellophane-wrapped packets upside down so, in effect, when I came to start looking at the cards. I would be viewing from the bottom first.

In the bottom of the box was a real treasure - a Combined Box of Princesses' Mourning Stationery prepared by Thos. De La Rue Ltd of London, Manufacturers to His Majesty. Besides the black-edged envelopes and reply cards, there was a length of silver and black ribbon and some wider beige ribbon as well as a black embroidery item. I have no idea how these latter items were used. I have only got as far as unpacking one packet and there are some special items in it which I will scan and print here in a separate post.