Object of the Day: A Souvenir of the Coronation of Edward VI, 1902

Though Britain was in mourning after the death of Queen Victoria, the turn of the Twentieth Century signaled a hopeful period of change and exciting developments. The British people looked to King Edward VII to pick up where his mother left off, but also to guide them into a new century.


On August 9, 1902, King Edward VII was crowned at Westminster Abbey along with is wife, Queen Alexandra. An expectant nation looked on with anticipation and celebrated by collecting souvenir items such as this china mug which bears the faces of the new King and Queen. Beneath their portraits, a ribbon spells out the motto of the British Monarchy, “Dieu et mon droit” literally meaning, “God and My Right,” referring to the belief of the divine right of kings.

This cup is unique. I’ve never seen one with this fluted shape before. It’s an interesting souvenir of an important historic event.