1937 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Coronation Tin Money Box

1937 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Coronation Tin Money Box

A charming little piece of British royal history, celebrating the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937.

This delightful vintage tin money box was produced to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) on 12 May 1937.

Made from tinplate, the oval-shaped money box features a deep blue background decorated with striking red heraldic lions, gold detailing and a central portrait of the royal couple beneath a crown.

The reverse is particularly interesting, featuring a printed account of the King's early life, education and marriage to Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, together with references to their daughters, Princess Elizabeth (the future Queen Elizabeth II) and Princess Margaret Rose.

The inscription concludes with the wonderfully optimistic words "LONG MAY THEY REIGN".

The money box has its original-style removable metal lid with a narrow coin slot, allowing coins to be deposited and retrieved.

A Little History

The coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth took place at Westminster Abbey on 12 May 1937, following the unexpected abdication of Edward VIII in December 1936.

The occasion was celebrated throughout Britain with street parties, decorations, commemorative souvenirs and keepsakes.

Small money boxes such as this were a practical way to commemorate the occasion, combining the patriotic enthusiasm of the period with the encouragement of thrift and saving.

Nearly ninety years later, this little tin offers a fascinating glimpse into everyday British life during the 1930s.

Condition

This is a genuine vintage item showing considerable age-related wear, entirely in keeping with its age and history.

There is noticeable rubbing and loss of the original painted finish, scratches, scuffs, tarnishing and oxidation, particularly to the lid and base. The royal portrait and decorative details show fading and wear, although the design remains recognisable.

The printed historical account on the reverse remains largely legible.

The removable lid and interior also show surface wear and discolouration.

Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.

Details

- Date: Circa 1937

- Occasion: Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth

- Material: Printed tinplate

- Colour: Deep blue with red and gold decoration

- Shape: Oval

- Dimensions: Approximately 9.5 × 9.5 × 4 cm

- Features: Removable lid with coin slot

- Maker: Unknown

- Condition: Vintage, with substantial age-related wear

Why We Love It

There is something rather endearing about this little money box. Perhaps it once sat on a child's bedroom shelf, collecting pennies and halfpennies, or was treasured as a souvenir of a remarkable moment in British history.

We particularly love the surviving royal portrait, bold heraldic decoration and the wonderful little biography printed on the reverse.

A characterful addition to a collection of royal memorabilia, vintage money boxes or British social-history curiosities.

At Objet d'Art Stuff, we describe our items as accurately as possible, based on our research and knowledge. As with all vintage pieces, signs of age and previous use are to be expected and form part of their individual character. Our photographs are not digitally enhanced to conceal imperfections, although colours may vary slightly between screens.

Carefully packed using recycled and reused packaging wherever possible.