This magnificent ceramic tea caddy was found at market in England and produced as a commemorative piece for the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937.  

Decorated with transferware images of the handsome King on one side and the lovely Queen on the other, both set within colorful, regal crests, the caddy was produced by the long-shuttered Maling potters expressly for the Ringstons Ltd. tea brand of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Founded in 1907, Ringstons is a family-owned tea company in England that continues to sell its teas door-to-door. During the 1920s, they teamed up with their Newcastle upon Tyne neighbor, Maling Pottery Company to produce lovely ceramic caddies, vases, teapots and jugs as packaging for their teas.

The caddy's small side handles are brushed with gleaming gold and its domed lid is decorated with crests proclaiming "Long May They Reign" and "Royal Souvenir Casket".  An exceptional piece from an historic coronation, this handsome caddy is sure to be the crowning addition to your collection.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good vintage condition. 7.75"H x 6.25" x 4".

Learn More About the Reign of King George VI

George had never expected to be king. Born Prince Albert Frederick Arthur George, he was the second son of King George V, and therefore was behind his elder brother Edward in the line of succession.

On the death of his father in 1936, Prince Edward became King Edward VIII. Shortly thereafter, the monarchy was thrown into crisis by Edward's desire to marry the twice-divorced American Mrs. Wallis Simpson. Edward was faced with a choice: renounce Wallis Simpson or abdicate the throne. He chose the latter option and his brother reluctantly became King George VI on December 11, 1936.

Leading Britain through the dark days of World War II, King George VI became one of her most beloved kings.

Learn More about Coronation Memorabilia

As a means to commemorate historic events - including coronations; silver, golden and diamond jubilees; royal weddings and royal visits to distant lands - artisans and craftspeople were commissioned to create beautiful pieces of memorabilia. Highly collectable, they are much more than mementos of an event long past. They are lovely pieces created to capture the spirit of their time as much as they capture our imaginations today.