Thursday, June 2, 2011

Object of the Day: A Rare Souvenir of the Silver Jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary, 1935

I have never seen souvenir medals until recently. This medal from 1935 is a souvenir of the Silver Jubilee of King George V and his consort, Queen Mary. Suspended from a ribbon of red, white and blue, the face of the spelter medal shows the visages of the King and Queen in profile with the words, “H.M. King George V, H.M. Queen Mary, 1910-1035.” The reverse of the medeal bears the inscription, “To commemorate the Silver Jubilee of our beloved King and Queen, 6th May, 1935.” The reverse is adorned with a laurel wreath pattern.


I’m not quite sure to whom these medals were given. My guess is that they were gifts to those who helped prepare of the Jubilee festivities. I’m quite fond of it. Now, it’s displayed on a red ribbon, adorning a lampshade. Illuminated from behind, it continues to serve its original purpose—to remind us of a remarkable reign.


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