Object of the Day: An Embroidered Piece of Silk Honoring Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee

 

In 1887, as Her Majesty Queen Victoria emerged from her self-imposed, mournful seclusion to celebrate fifty years on the throne, a variety of souvenirs were manufactured and marketed to the public who sought to honor their reclusive, but mostly beloved Queen.  This bit of silk was one of those items.

Beautifully woven and embroidered, the silk depicts a portrait of Victoria with her blue sash and orders and the wee diamond crown which she favored.  Beneath her, the Royal Standard and Union Jack flank a shielf emblazoned with the words “For Valour.”

Above her is embroidered:

1837 JUBILEE 1887

VICTORIA

QUEEN

OF

AN EMPIRE ON

WHICH THE

SUN NEVER SETS

So, what was this?  Was it a bookmark?  Perhaps.  But, I don’t think so.  I think, when first made, it was the ribbon attached to the bottom of a badge or medal.  We’ll never really know.  However, I’m so glad to have it, and so happy that it has survived all this time.

I do apologize for the glare on the photos and wish I had taken pictures before I framed it.