Produced in 1953 in Sheffield, England to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth, this wonderful Vintage Silverplate Toast Caddy is a decidedly regal memento. Indispensible for ensuring protection against soggy toast, this shining silver breakfast assistant is side-stamped with The Queen's Royal Cypher.

Designed to hold slices of toast for breakfast or even caviar service, we also love turning a toast caddy into our very own filing system. A fine and festive mid-century specimen, this sturdy and handsome caddy makes a charming addition to your servingware collection. Whether it holds your mail, treasured photographs, handwritten notes or even fingertip towels in a powder room, this gleaming servant stands at the ready certain to bring beauty and grace wherever it is found. 

---

Strictly limited quantities and subject to prior sale. In very good vintage condition. Toast caddy holds 6 slices measures 4.75"H x 3.5"L x 5.5"W. Caddy B holds 4 slices and measures 4.75"H x 3.5"L x 3.75"W

Learn More About Queen Elizabeth's Coronation

With bittersweet poignancy, 2024 marks the second anniversary of The Queen's passing. Through an unprecedented 70 years of service to her people, Queen Elizabeth II promises to remain distinguished as the longest reigning monarch in British history. A true monarch for the ages, as well as a cultural icon, her spirit and legacy continue to inspire. 

Born the first child of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Albert, or as the world came to know him, King George VI, Princess Elizabeth became an unlikely heir apparent upon the ascension to the throne of her father in 1937, the second son of King George V and Queen Mary. 

As his health declined in 1951, Elizabeth started to assume the presence of her father King George VI at various public events. In October of that year, Elizabeth toured Canada and the United States, carrying with her a draft accession declaration in the event of the King’s passing. In early 1952, Elizabeth and her husband Philip set out to tour Australia, New Zealand and Kenya. On February 6 1952, Elizabeth had returned to her Kenyan home when she had heard the news - King George VI had passed and she was in line to serve as Queen. Ruling under the regal name, Queen Elizabeth II, she and her husband, who had become the Duke of Edinburgh, reigned over all of the United Kingdom, taking residence in Buckingham Palace.

Although the newly ascended monarch was officially proclaimed Queen Elizabeth II, her coronation ceremony was held more than a year after her accession. True to tradition, celebrations such as a coronation were not considered appropriate during a time of mourning - both King George VI and her grandmother, Queen Mary, had passed within the months leading to her coronation. As stated in her will, Queen Mary was firm in her statement regarding the planning and coronation of Elizabeth II, stating her death should not interfere with the planning of the ceremony. It was on June 2, 1953 when Elizabeth received her coronation ceremony in the promise to uphold the laws of her nations and govern the Church of England.

Adorned with the Imperial State Crown and holding a scepter with the cross and orb, Elizabeth had officially become Queen of the United Kingdom. As she made her way out of the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey, the crowd proudly sang “God Save the Queen”.

 

Learn More about Hotel Silver

Once found in Grand Hotels, chic cafés, elegant restaurants as well as luxury steamships and the dining cars of the great locomotives, vintage hotel silver beautifully evokes the Golden Age of Travel. Enduringly crafted using sturdy nickel silver as its base metal and coated with a thick plating of pure, gleaming silver, vintage hotel silver is unmistakeable for its simple, classic lines and its pleasing heft. Often crested with the name of the establishment, the pieces bear the gentle, lovely patina often referred to as a “butler’s finish”.

Produced by the great silversmiths here in the United States, as well as those in Britain and on the Continent, most hotel silver dates from the 1920s to the 1940s. Prized for its perfect blend of form and function, hotel silver was made to withstand the rigors of daily use. Highly collectible, vintage hotel silver is a wonderful addition to any home.

Evoking the days of elegant travel, there are many new ways that hotel silver can be enjoyed. A milk pitcher or sugar basin makes an elegant vase for flowers or fresh herbs on the kitchen counter. A collection of oval platters adds sparkle and depth in a hutch when not being called into service for a buffet or dinner party. A toast rack becomes the perfect way to display photographs, hold fingertip towels in a powder room or organize mail in the office. Mix and match cutlery brings a relaxed sophistication and elegance to any tablescape. Whatever the piece, vintage hotel silver is sure to stir memories not only of your own travels, but of exotic destinations and ports of call from parts unknown.