Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Enameled Beaker

Collectibles : Metalware : Queen Victoria : Diamond Jubilee Beaker : Enamel

 

Here's a beautiful piece of British royal memorabilia. It is an enameled metal beaker celebrating the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897.

In late 1896, Victoria surpassed King George III as England's longest-reigning monarch. She asked that all celebrations be put off until her the celebration of her 60th year on the throne the following year.

The celebration on 22 June 1 1897 included a six mile procession by the Queen across the city of London. In her journal, she later wrote, "No one ever, I believe, has met with such an ovation as was given to me, passing through those 6 miles of streets . . . The cheering was quite deafening & every face seemed to be filled with real joy. I was much moved and gratified"

I would assume there beakers were made to toast the Queen's health on this important occasion. Every example I have seen of this beaker has had rim chips suggesting boisterous use.

The beaker is decorated with elaborate transfers incorporating the dates 1837 and 1897, crowns, flowers and foliage, and two medallions: one shows Victoria as a mature woman. The other, Windsor Palace.

I would grade this example as good. The rim is chipped and there are four major chips along the bottom edge of the beaker. There's a little damage to the interior and wear to the gold bands and one area of damage to the portrait of the Queen.

Item ID: 1564