Souvenir chocolate tin - Coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra (1902)

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Rowntree & Co. Ltd.

1902

Overview

Rectangular metal chocolate tin produced by Rowntree & Co. Ltd. to celebrate the Coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1902.
The lithographed tin-plated tin features a vibrant red background offset by a raised, dark blue-green border. The hinged lid features side-by-side oval shaped portrait miniatures of the royal couple.
King Edward VII is dressed in crown and regalia on the left while Queen Alexandra is wearing a tiara and bridal veil on the right. The background behind the monarchs matches the dark-blue green of the border.
Between the portraits is a Crown over a Garter Star emblem and to the far left and right are the royal monogram cyphers (ER VII and AR).
Gold edged cream ribbons on the lower left and right read 'CORONATION DAY' and 'JUNE 26th 1902'.
The base of the tin features the maker's details 'RONTREE & CO. LTD. YORK".

Historical information

The coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra took place at Westminster Abbey, London, on 9 August 1902.
The tin prominently bears the date 'June 26th 1902'. However, the actual coronation was delayed because the King unexpectedly fell ill with acute appendicitis in the days prior to the event. As the souvenir tins had already been manufactured and distributed by companies like Rowntree's, they still carry the original planned June date.
The Coronation prompted widespread patriotic celebrations across Australia just a year after Federation, allowing the new nation to reaffirm its place in the British Empire.
Towns and cities nationwide held public holiday events, closing banks, government offices, and local businesses while school children gathered for special assemblies and sports days.

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-RoW01100

Item type

Collectibles

Decorative Objects

Lithographs

Souvenirs

Themes

Food & Beverage

Social History

Material