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

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J. Phillips & Co.

1911

Overview

Rectangular metal chocolate tin produced by J. Phillips & Co. of Newcastle-upon-Tyne to celebrate the Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.
The lithographed tin-plated tin features side-by-side, slightly angled, oval shaped portrait miniatures of the royal couple, with each surmounted by a St. Edward's crown.
King George V is dressed in military attire with medals while Queen Mary is adorned with a high-neck lace collar and jewellery.
To the left of the King is a Union Jack flag, while to the right of the Queen is the Royal Coat of Arms (Royal Standard).
Both portraits are surrounded by laurel wreaths, some of which are obscured by the furled flags. There is a depiction of a gold ribbon joining the two portraits together, above which is the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom, topped with a minor flag banner.
Curving over the central coat of arms is the text: 'CORONATION SOUVENIR // 22ND JUNE 1911', while along the bottom rim in a municipal banner is the inscription 'CITY AND COUNTY OF NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE'.
The entire scene has a cream coloured background which is framed by a thin dark blue border along the outer edge of the lid.
The base of the tin features the maker's details within a decorative floral wreath with ribbons.

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-RoW01098

Item type

Collectibles

Decorative Objects

Lithographs

Souvenirs

Themes

Food & Beverage

Social History

Material