Royal Doulton Catherine Howard HN3449 (1992) - Six Wives of Henry VIII Series

HN Number : 3449

Production years : 1992 (Limited Edition)

Height : 8.5"

Produced in : United Kingdom

Condition: Mint , no chips, cracks or repairs. 

Series : Wives of Henry VII

The Tudor Rose: Catherine Howard's Tragic Beauty

Catherine Howard HN3449 captures the youth and beauty of Henry VIII's fifth wife, often called his "rose without a thorn." This exquisite figurine portrays Catherine in her Tudor court finery, embodying both the innocence and vulnerability that made her Henry's beloved - and ultimately led to her tragic downfall on the scaffold at just 19 years old.

Historical Tragedy: Catherine Howard (c.1521-1542) was Henry VIII's youngest wife and perhaps his most beloved. Her vivacious personality and youthful beauty enchanted the aging king, but her past indiscretions and alleged adultery led to her execution after less than two years of marriage. This figurine captures her during her brief moment of triumph as Queen of England.

Artistic Excellence and Design Mastery

Designer Pauline Parsons masterfully captured Catherine's youth and Tudor elegance in this striking figurine. The piece showcases the sumptuous court dress of the 1540s, with rich fabrics and jewelry befitting a queen, while Catherine's pose suggests both confidence and the fragility that would prove her undoing.

Design Highlights:

• Authentic Tudor court dress: Rich velvets and brocades of 1540s fashion
• Intricate jewelry details: Period-accurate necklaces and ornaments
• Youthful beauty: Facial features emphasizing Catherine's famous loveliness
• Royal bearing: Confident pose reflecting her brief queenly status
• Symbolic elements: Design hints at her tragic fate while celebrating her beauty

Color Palette: The rich reds, golds, and deep blues reflect the opulence of Tudor court fashion, while emphasizing Catherine's status as Henry's "rose without a thorn."

The Six Wives of Henry VIII Series Legacy

Catherine Howard HN3449 completes one of Royal Doulton's most acclaimed historical collections. This series revolutionized collectible figurines by combining educational value with exceptional artistry, creating pieces that appeal to Tudor historians, collectors, and art enthusiasts alike.

Complete Series Overview:

• Catherine of Aragon HN3233 (The Divorced)
• Anne Boleyn HN3232 (The Beheaded)
• Jane Seymore HN3349 (The Survived - died in childbirth)
• Anne of Cleves HN3356 (The Survivor)
• Catherine Howard HN3449 (The Beheaded)
• Catherine Parr HN3450 (The Survivor)

Series Significance: Catherine Howard represents the tragic peak of Henry's matrimonial disasters - young, beautiful, and ultimately doomed by the very qualities that attracted the king.

Investment and Market Analysis

Premium Collectible Status: Catherine Howard HN3449 commands $350-550 CAD depending on condition, making it one of the more valuable pieces in the Six Wives series. The combination of tragic history, artistic excellence, and limited production creates strong collector demand.

Market Drivers:

• Tudor fascination: Endless popular interest in Henry VIII's wives
• Catherine's tragic appeal: Her youth and beauty make her story particularly poignant
• Limited edition scarcity: Only 9,500 pieces worldwide
• Series completion: Essential for Six Wives collectors
• Educational collecting: Growing market for historically accurate pieces

Investment Highlights:

• Single-year production (1992) ensures rarity
• Part of highly successful historical series
• Tragic royal history maintains perpetual appeal
• Museum-quality historical accuracy
• International collector recognition

  Canadian Historical Connections

  Catherine Howard holds particular fascination for Canadian collectors due to our strong British heritage and the enduring popularity of Tudor history in Canadian culture. Her story as the youngest and most tragic of Henry's wives resonates with collectors who appreciate both historical drama and feminine courage.

  Regional Appeal:

  • Educational collectors: Teachers and history enthusiasts
  • British heritage: Strong connection to royal history
  • Women's history: Growing interest in historical female figures
  • Tudor tourism: Connections to Tower of London and English heritage sites

  The Tragic Queen's Story

  Rise to Power: Catherine Howard was Henry VIII's fifth wife, marrying him in 1540 when she was just 19 and he was 49. Her vivacious personality and youthful beauty renewed the aging king's spirits, earning her the nickname "rose without a thorn."

  Royal Splendor: As Queen, Catherine enjoyed the full splendor of Tudor court life, wearing magnificent gowns and jewels like those depicted in this figurine. For a brief period, she was the most powerful woman in England.

  Tragic Fall: Catherine's past relationships and alleged adultery led to charges of treason. Despite her youth and protests of innocence, she was executed at the Tower of London in February 1542, becoming the second of Henry's wives to meet this fate.

  Authentication and Provenance

  This piece has been professionally authenticated by William Cross, whose family created the Charlton Standard Catalogue of Royal Doulton Figurines. Our expertise in Royal Doulton historical pieces ensures complete confidence in authenticity and accurate historical context.

  Authentication Points:

  • Correct HN3449 marking: Proper numbering for 1992 production
  • Period backstamp: Accurate "Royal Doulton England Bone China" marking
  • Design accuracy: Matches Pauline Parsons' original specifications
  • Quality standards: Consistent with Royal Doulton's premium historical series

  Why Catherine Howard HN3449 Commands Premium Prices

  Historical Significance: Most tragic and sympathetic of Henry's wives Artistic Excellence: Pauline Parsons' masterful portrayal of youth and beauty Series Importance: Key piece in prestigious Six Wives collection Limited Production: Single-year edition of 9,500 pieces Educational Value: Museum-quality historical accuracy Emotional Appeal: Catherine's tragic story resonates across generations Investment Potential: Historical collectibles showing strong appreciation

  Display and Conservation

  As a premium historical collectible, Catherine Howard HN3449 deserves museum-quality care:

  • Stable environment: Consistent temperature and humidity
  • UV protection: Filtered lighting to prevent color fading
  • Secure display: Earthquake-safe positioning away from traffic areas
  • Gentle maintenance: Soft brush cleaning only - never use liquids
  • Professional documentation: Maintain authenticity certificates and condition records

Perfect For Serious Collectors

Tudor History Enthusiasts: Collectors passionate about England's most dramatic dynasty Six Wives Series Builders: Those creating the complete historical set
Educational Institutions: Museums and schools teaching Tudor history Investment Collectors: Seeking limited edition historical pieces Women's History Advocates: Celebrating remarkable (though tragic) historical figures Royal Doulton Specialists: Advanced collectors of premium historical themes

Building Your Tudor Collection

Catherine Howard HN3449 serves as either a stunning centerpiece or essential component of a complete Six Wives collection. Her tragic story and artistic beauty make this piece a conversation starter that combines historical education with collecting satisfaction.

Collection Strategies:

• Complete Six Wives: Build the entire series for maximum impact
• Tudor themed: Combine with other Royal Doulton historical pieces
• Tragic queens: Focus on Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard as a pair
• Educational display: Use for teaching Tudor history and women's roles

  Professional Services and Expertise

Professional Services and Expertise

William Cross Specialization: With over 35 years in Royal Doulton collecting and our family's Charlton Standard Catalogue heritage, we provide:

• Historical authentication: Verify genuine Six Wives series pieces
• Series completion assistance: Help locate missing wives for complete sets
• Educational context: Provide historical background and significance
• Market valuation: Current pricing for insurance and estate purposes
• Condition assessment: Professional evaluation using museum standards

Why Our Expertise Matters: The Charlton Standard Catalogue remains the definitive reference for Royal Doulton figurines. Our family connection to this authoritative work ensures you receive pieces with complete historical context and guaranteed authenticity.

Conclusion: A Queen's Brief Glory Immortalized

Catherine Howard HN3449 preserves the memory of Henry VIII's most tragic wife, capturing her youth, beauty, and royal splendor before her world collapsed. This exceptional figurine transforms a dark chapter of Tudor history into a celebration of artistic excellence and historical preservation.

Whether you're building the complete Six Wives series, focusing on Tudor history, or seeking investment-grade Royal Doulton pieces, Catherine Howard offers both emotional impact and collecting satisfaction. Her story reminds us that behind every crown lies a human being - in Catherine's case, a young woman who paid the ultimate price for capturing a king's heart.

Ready to Add This Royal Tragedy to Your Collection?

Contact William Cross today for expert guidance on Royal Doulton historical figurines and the Six Wives of Henry VIII series. Our Charlton Standard Catalogue heritage ensures you receive authentic pieces with complete historical context and fair market pricing.