Produced by two of Britain's titan confectioners - Cadbury of Bournville and Rowntree of York, these wonderful antique tins are handsome promotional souvenirs created as brand marketing to commemorate royal celebrations in 1902, 1911 and 1913. Originally, they would have held bars of rich chocolate; today, the empty tins remain wondrous and rare historic mementos.

The first from Rowntree, celebrates Queen Alexandra, consort of Edward VII on the occasion of the 1902 coronation, depicting the stately queen in ceremonial robes with image styled after an official portrait by painter Samuel Begg. Vastly popular in her time, Queen Alexandra was known as fashion icon, devoted wife, Queen and philanthropist. It is said that Alexandra’s impact on fashion was so profound that upper class women copied even her limping gait after illness left her with a stiff leg. This came to be known as the ‘Alexandra limp’.

Upon the death of her husband, the couple's second son, assumed the role of King as George V while Alexandra became known as 'Dowager Queen.' Along with his consort, Queen Mary, George V saw Britain through the globe-changing World War I era. Featured on two bright and colorful tins, one produced by Cadbury for the 1911 coronation and the other by Rowntree to commemorate a 1913 royal visit to Bolton, this early 20th-century power couple are seen side by side in charming portrait medallions surrounded by heraldic symbols of their gracious reign.

Sweet reminders from days long ago, these timeless souvenirs are sure to infuse your collection with their simple charms.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In fair antique condition with signs of wear commensurate with its age. 6" x 3 5/8".

Learn More About the Reign of King George V

George V was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions and the Emperor of India from May 6, 1910 through the First World War until his death in 1936.

George was a grandson of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and the first cousin of Tzar Nicholas II of Russia and Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. On the death of Victoria in 1901, George's father became King Edward VII and his mother Queen Alexandra, while George was made Prince of Wales. A decade later on his father's death in 1910, George succeeded as King-Emperor of the British Empire.  George wrote in his diary at the time of his father's death, "I have lost my best friend and the best of fathers...I never had a [cross] word with him in my life. I am heart-broken and overwhelmed with grief but God will help me in my responsibilities and darling May [Queen Mary] will be my comfort as she has always been. May God give me strength and guidance in the heavy task which has fallen on me". 

As a result of the First World War, other empires in Europe fell while that of King George V expanded to its greatest extent. In 1917, he became the first monarch of the House of Windsor, which he renamed from the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha as a result of anti-German public sentiment. The reign of King George V and Queen Mary saw the rise of socialism, communism, fascism, Irish republicanism and the Indian independence movement, all of which radically changed the political landscape.