Glove in the Fleur de lys pattern, "MM" at wrist

Example of a Sanquhar pattern glove in black and white wool to illustrate the "Fleur de lys" or "Prince of Wales" design.   This pattern is taken from weaving, the dark check is said to represent the three feathers of the Prince of Wales' emblem. This may have arisen from the account that Sanquhar stockings `were so fine as to be drawn through a ring for the finger, and so much admired, that they have been worn by the present heir apparent to the crown.' This being the future George IV, the `dandy'. It is more likely, however, that the Prince of Wales commemorated by the pattern was the future Edward VII, who visited Sanquhar in 1871. In the Autumn of that year the Prince of Wales visited the Duke of Buccleuch at Drumlanrig for a shooting holiday. There was anxiety as to the reception the Prince might receive when driving through the town, as the townspeople were regarded as “dangerous Radicals.” Sanquhar, however, welcomed the Prince with three floral arches across the High Street and every home decorated with flags and greenery.   This example was knitted by Margaret Menzies, using size 15 needles and 3 ply wool. It has the initials "MM" at the wrist.