Salesman Sovereign

If there ever was anything pushing and undignified about being a salesman, His Majesty Edward VIII redeemed that calling and gave it lustre by becoming, as Prince of Wales, "the Empire Salesman."

At the British Industries Fair just outside London last week, His Majesty assumed the status of the world's first Salesman Sovereign. His vigorous efforts so to conduct himself as King that he would sell, sell and SELL chanced to benefit chiefly the following British firms which incurred the attention of His Majesty:

M. Munro & Co. manufacture an ingenious "Munrospun Sock" into which is woven its own garter. Stopping at their booth, King Edward VIII pulled up his trouser leg, revealing a Munrospun Sock, and said: "I have been wearing socks like these for four years. They are the most remarkable socks you can get. . . . These really are jolly good! British buyers should try out new things. I always do myself." John Dickinson & Co., makers of paper shirt fronts for waiters known as "Dickinson's Dickeys," were favored with a jest by Edward VIII: "Splendid! But will they wash?"

Christy & Co., who displayed as a novelty an antique London Bobby's hat, were disconcerted when their salable goods were disregarded by the Sovereign Salesman. Picking up the antique and striking the counter smartly with it, His Majesty commented: "That would stand a good hefty blow."

H. R. Morley & Co., with their "Morley Dishrag Shirt," were assisted by the Sovereign Salesman with the comment: "Interesting! Excellent for the South of France."

Balfour & Co. glowed with pride as their "Richlin Ostrich Feathers" elicited from His Majesty: "I want to deny the rumor that I have a prejudice against ostrich feathers."

Baroque, Ltd., swank London wholesalers, made a daring move by so timing their show of women's fashions that as the Bachelor King reached their display a seven-piece orchestra struck up Bach's Air For G-String, and a troupe of mannequins advanced in the formation known professionally as a "Pink Wedding Ensemble."

This was too much for the Sovereign Salesman. Muttering "very nice," he streaked past without breaking his stride.

Products of Dominions & Colonies praised by the King-Emperor included Jamaican eggplant, Irish bacon, Rhodesian tobacco, Kenya coffee, Australian butter and sealskin slippers from New Zealand, of which His Majesty said, accepting a pair, "I think they will be very warm, comfortable and useful. All my brothers have gloves of sealskin."

By way of noblesse oblige at the Fair last week, Edward VIII's most widely reported act was his prompt reaction to a red rose thrown at his feet by a girl. Turning to Sir Reginald Henry Seymour, Equerry to His Majesty, the King said, "Pick up that flower and save it for me."

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