Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary, that's me!

I'm now a huge believer in the well known quote
'never say never.'

Just recently HERE I told you the story of my souvenir brooch from the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The little brass book with the royal crown on the cover and the strip of pull-out b/w photos of the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Westminster Abbey etc. After sharing that childhood memory and a photo of me in London wearing the brooch, now long lost, I decided to try to find a replacement online and was thrilled when a lady in England actually had one for sale in her Etsy shop. It looked similar and stated to be in great condition, and what really excited me was that it actually had Made in England stamped on the reverse, so I knew it was genuine. I took a chance and purchased it.

The brooch arrived a week ago, prettily wrapped and well padded in its envelope. On opening it I was thrilled to find it very similar to my original one, and thankfully in great condition. No torn photos in the strip, all clear and undamaged. The book itself is also in great condition with the clasp still intact and the bow pin still workable. The royal crown, Elizabeth R and 1953 are all slightly raised and legible. . . . .  .and there on the back, stamped clearly, MADE IN ENGLAND. Perfection!

I also found another photo of me taken on that special day in London with

 my little friend Jacqueline - same place, Trafalgar Square, and in this one you

 can actually see the pigeons eating out of my hand!

In my last post we discussed throwing away vintage items which should have

 been saved and treasured. I'm so glad that whomever owned this little brooch

 back in the fifties had sense enough to hang on to it. Thank you. . . . . and

 hopefully my family will thank you also in years to come! I will pin this brooch

 to the photo, with the story of my London visit, and hope it brings joy to those

 who find it.