John Aynsley & Son Queen Victoria Illustrated Commemorative Antique 1897 Tea Cup/Saucer

A rare and historical piece created by John Aynsley and Sons for William Whiteley, London to commemorate the September 23, 1896 Diamond Jubilee, the "longest reign in English history" of Victoria Regina (surpassed by Queen Elizabeth in 2015). 

With a royal warrant, register number 287962, by "special appointment  to Her Majesty the Queen", this illustrated set depicts symbols of the British empire in addition to a gilt framed portrait of the Queen dated 1837-1897 with worded ribbons, "Empire on Which the Sun Never Sets", "Queen of England", "Empress of India", "God Save the Queen". 

Cup and saucer are bordered by garlands of English roses, Irish shamrocks, and Scottish thistle. With interest to formality and etiquette, note how the framed portrait of the Queen on the cup was not placed at center near the handle, not where sipping occurs, nor toward the backside, but opposite the handle, a figurehead.

NOTE: This item is a Glass Box Item and requires an exact match with regard to name, billing and shipping address. It will ship between 3-5 business days after payment clears.

Dimensions: Cup: 3 1/2"W

                    Saucer: 6 1/2"W

Origin: England, 1897

Condition: Very Good. No chips or cracks. The glaze is well intact. A very light age related tea stain on the inside base, light scratch marks at the center of the saucer, light spots and some shelf scuff marks on the underside of the saucer and very light crazing around the circular depression area are noted (see last photos).

Teacups are like small pieces of jewelry-they tell a story, they are displayed, shown off with pride, and prized from one generation to another. Like jewelry the time comes when such beauties are not so 'minty" young.  And yet these lovely items have lasted so long for a reason. 

They are still in their prime. Seasoned with time-honored character.

Our goods are unique, quality time pieces of the past which have been inspected, researched and carefully handled to be prized. We will never sell any teacups with cracks or major damages. Our condition findings, along with our photos, are detailed as thorough and honestly as we can see, as your satisfaction is our main priority.