Vintage Jacksons of Piccadilly Coronation Tea Caddy – Queen Elizabeth II Royal

Vintage Jacksons of Piccadilly Coronation Tea Caddy – Queen Elizabeth II Royal

13 cm tall

11 cm wide

10 cm depth

Jacksons of Piccadilly has a particularly nice story: the business was founded by Robert Jackson in Piccadilly in 1700, became noted for blended teas, occupied 171–172 Piccadilly from the early 20th century and held Royal Warrants. The Jacksons name later became part of the Twinings business.

A wonderfully decorative vintage tea caddy from the celebrated London tea merchants Robert Jackson & Co. Ltd of Piccadilly, produced for their famous Coronation Tea blend commemorating the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

Finished in a rich midnight blue with red and gold detailing, the caddy is decorated with crowns, flowers and an elaborate jewel-set collar surrounding the words “Coronation Tea”. The reverse explains that the blend of Indian and Ceylon teas was specially prepared in 1953 to commemorate the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The hinged lid carries the script “Jacksons of Piccadilly, London” together with the Royal Warrant stating “By Appointment to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – Grocers, Robert Jackson & Co. Ltd., London”.

Particularly appealing is the original-style hinged caddy construction, with the upper section lifting to reveal the metal-lined interior. A quantity of old loose tea remains inside its plastic bag and has been left with the caddy as part of its history and provenance. The tea is included for display/collecting purposes only and must not be consumed.

Although celebrating the 1953 Coronation, this appears to be a later vintage production rather than a tin manufactured specifically in 1953.

Maker History

Robert Jackson & Co., better known as Jacksons of Piccadilly, was one of London's historic specialist grocers and tea merchants. Founded in Piccadilly in 1700, the company developed an important reputation for fine teas and, by the 19th century, was particularly associated with expertly prepared tea blends.

Jacksons supplied generations of prestigious customers and received Royal Warrants during its long history. Its Piccadilly premises became synonymous with luxury groceries and specialist teas, and the company continued producing traditional blends such as Coronation Tea well into the modern era. The Jacksons of Piccadilly name subsequently became associated with Twinings.

Today, the firm's decorative tea caddies are collected both as examples of British advertising and packaging and as reminders of London's historic luxury grocery trade.

Condition

Good vintage condition with general surface marks, light scratches and wear consistent with age and previous use. There is some marking to the metal interior and underside of the hinged lid. The printed decoration remains strong and colourful and the hinged lid operates as intended.

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

Why We Love It

There is rather more to this than an old tea tin. It combines London's historic tea trade, Royal Warrant branding and the story of the 1953 Coronation in one wonderfully decorative object. Displayed in a kitchen, pantry or collection of royal memorabilia, it has bags of character – quite literally in this case.

Ideal for collectors of royal memorabilia, vintage advertising, tea tins, kitchenalia and traditional British grocery packaging.

Please note: the old tea is retained solely as part of the item's history and is not offered as food or considered suitable for consumption.

Vintage and pre-owned items will naturally show signs of age and use. We describe all items to the best of our knowledge and photographs form part of the description. Colours may vary slightly according to screen settings.“Vintage Jacksons of Piccadilly Coronation Tea Caddy Queen Elizabeth II Tin”.