Souvenir chocolate tin - Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary (1911)

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Rowntree & Co. Ltd.

1911

Overview

Rectangular metal chocolate tin produced by Rowntree & Co. to celebrate the Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.
The lithographed tin-plated tin features a central horizontally aligned oval portrait of King George V and Queen Mary in their full coronation regalia on a deep red background. A crown on a red pillow with gold braid and tassels appears between the King and Queen.
The portraits are flanked by a pair of Union Jack and Royal Banner (Royal Standard) flags hanging from diagonal poles on either side.
Above the portraits is the text 'JUNE 22ND 1911'. There is a gold, white and red shield in the upper left corner and a gold shield with the text 'GEORGE V' in black in the upper right corner.
On the lower section of the left flag in a cream scroll are the words 'CORONATION SOUVENIR', while on the lower section of the right flag are the words 'PRESENTED BY MR. JOSEPH ROWNTREE'.
The copyright details are printed along the lower edge along with floral decoration including two roses.
There is a blue border around the outside of the lid.
The base of the tin features the maker's details between two royal crests with the words 'By Appointment' below. It also has some cursive writing scratched into the surface which is upside down when compared to the printed text, but this is difficult to decipher.

Historical information

The coronation of King George V and Queen Mary took place at Westminster Abbey, London, on Thursday, 22 June 1911.
In Australia, the event was celebrated with nationwide public holidays, patriotic parades, community sports, and the distribution of over 400,000 commemorative medals to school children.
Towns held large public marches featuring local brass bands, fire brigades, school children, and friendly societies. Main streets, local shops, and private homes were heavily decorated with patriotic bunting, flags, and streamers. Schools hosted special assemblies featuring flag drills, salutes to the Union Jack, and the singing of patriotic songs. Communities gathered at local showgrounds and parks for organized sports programs, combined church services, and community picnics. Businesses closed for the day to let workers join the festivities.

A wide range of souvenirs were sold to commemorate the event. These included ceramics and pottery, medals and coins, textiles and paper goods, and decorative metalware and tins such as this example.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW01097

Item type

Collectibles

Decorative Objects

Lithographs

Souvenirs

Themes

Food & Beverage

Social History

Material