LONDON (AP) -- Christie's is set to sell personal possessions of the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, including papers, mementos, clothes - and her iconic handbags.
The auctioneer said Tuesday that 150 lots will go under the hammer Dec. 15 in London, with a further 200 sold by online auction between Dec. 3 and Dec 16.
In this March 15, 1990 file photo, Britain's Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher leaves 10 Downing Street in London en route to the House of Commons. Christie�s is set to sell personal possessions of late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, including papers, mementoes, clothes _ and her iconic handbags. The auctioneer said Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015 that 150 lots will go under the hammer Dec. 15 in London, with another 200 sold by online auction. (AP/Peter Kemp)
The items include a red leather ministerial dispatch box, an award from Thatcher's friend and ally President Ronald Reagan, her 1951 wedding outfit and an Art Deco emerald and diamond necklace by Chaumet, valued at between 120,000 and 180,000 pounds ($185,000 and $277,000).
Branded "the Iron Lady" for her steely determination, Thatcher governed Britain between 1979 and 1990, transforming the country with her free-market policies.
Her practice of berating ministers and lawmakers became known as "handbagging."
Thatcher died in April 2013, aged 87, and the collection, valued at up to 500,000 pounds, is being sold by her family.
