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This guide will serve as a brief introduction to collecting commemoratives with a focus on royal commemorative wares. We will define key concepts, provide historical context, illustrate examples, give advice, and share resources for further study.
Sometimes when people in the United States think of commemoratives they might imagine coins, stamps or the newest collectible from the Franklin Mint. If you are fond of racing then perhaps you think of Dale Earnhardt?
However, the history of commemoratives is much richer as people in England are already aware. There they are more accustomed to seeing the faces of Thier Majesties on items ranging from mugs to tea towels. A couple of definitions help set the stage.
For many collectors, the ideal is ceramic. However, metal, glass, and paper are also used to create a token of the happenings and people that make up the life of a nation. Sometimes commemoratives are witnesses to tragic events.
There are commemoratives of all the major wars. Perhaps you collect examples from the Boer War as these are common since it took place during the reign of Queen Victoria when commemoratives rapidly gained in popularity.
This little sweetheart pillow was embroidered by a loved one to celebrate the "Gloire aux Allies" of WWI. Commemoratives are often filled with symbolism. Notice the symbol of Royalty, the Black Eagle, in the clutches of the Rooster, a representation of the common man.
Royalty Commemoratives
The people of England were tired of civil war and the likes of Oliver Cromwell protecting them to the point of boredom. The restoration of Charles II to the throne was a cause for celebration. People started looking for a permament way to record this triumphant event. It is here that the first commemorative ceramics were born. The earliest commemoratives were delft, slipware, or majolica.
Royalty commemoratives saw a rapid increase in production during the reign of Queen Victoria. Items from her wedding and coronation are rarer, but can sometimes be found. However, items from Her Most Gracious Majesty's Jubilee are readily available on eBay.
It is also during this time that we see the introduction of commemorative tins. Biscuit and tea manufactuers started creating containers that featured a royal personage or event. This allowed people of all classes to have a token of the life of the nation. I first started collecting commoratives when I picked up a tin for a Pound Sterling at a car boot sale (flrea market) outside of London, England.
This is a Walker's shortbread tin produced in to commemorate the marriage of H.R.H. The Prince of Wales and Lady Diana July 29th 1981.
Collecting Tips
Resources for Further Study
Connect with others who share a passion for collecting Royal Commemoratives.
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There are several reference books and price guides on Royalty Commemoratives. One of my favorites is British Commemoratives: Royalty, Politics, War and Sport by Lincoln Hallinan. Published in 1995 by Antique Collector's Club Limited, Woodbridge, Suffolk.
Examples
Limited Ed. Royal Doulton Doll to commemorate the Birth of Prince William.
Limited Ed. Halcyon Days pill box to commemorate the death of Princess Diana of Wales.
Royal Doulton Teacup to commemorate the Coronation (intended) of H.R.H. Prince Edward VIII.
Royal Doulton plate to commemorate the Royal Wedding in 1981.
Limited Edition Wedgwood glass mug to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's Silver Jubilee.
1906 Vanity Fair print of S. M. Alfonso XIII King of Spain.
While technically not a commemorative, this painting is based on the famous Armada Portrait by George Gower which was painted to commemorate the naval victory of the English over the Spanish in 1588.
Examples are from Primroy's private collection.
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