Christie’s have auctioned Margaret Thatcher’s Asprey handbag for £25,000 / $39,953.

The handbag was used by Thatcher during Cold War negotiations with U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

“The handbag makes you automatically think of Margaret Thatcher,” said former politician and author Jeffrey Archer, who hosted the auction. “Someone has captured this and will have, frankly, a historic document for the rest of their lives.”

The lot was part of the Jeffrey Archer Charity Sale and proceeds from this lot will benefit Combat Stress, The British Forces Foundation and Debra.

The Jeffrey Archer Charity Sale realized £402,100 / $640,143 / €452,765. The gala auction saw Jeffrey Archer act as auctioneer and sell 18 lots including mementos, collectible relics and items, both from Lord Archer’s personal collection, together with additional donations from several famous public figures including The Rt Hon the Baroness Thatcher, Eric Clapton, Bernie Ecclestone, Lawrence Dallaglio, Sir Michael Parkinson and Ian Botham. All proceeds will benefit charitable causes.