Vintage 1953 Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Toffee Tin by Edward Sharp & Sons

Vintage 1953 Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Toffee Tin by Edward Sharp & Sons

17 cm wide

14 cm depth

4 cm tall

A wonderfully nostalgic piece of British royal and confectionery history, this original vintage tin was produced by Edward Sharp & Sons Ltd of Maidstone, Kent, to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on 2 June 1953.

The hinged lid features a striking colour image of the young Queen riding sidesaddle in ceremonial dress, set against an elegant palace-style backdrop. The design continues around the tin with rich gold and red decoration, repeating crown motifs and the royal ER cypher to the front.

Inside, the bright metal base carries an embossed commemorative inscription relating to the Coronation, while the underside is clearly impressed:

“Made in England by Edward Sharp & Sons Ltd of Maidstone, Kent.”

Originally intended to contain Sharp’s toffee or confectionery, it would now make an appealing display piece for a collector of royal memorabilia, vintage advertising tins, British social history or mid-century kitchenalia. Comparable examples identify this particular horseback design as a 1953 Coronation issue.

Maker history

Edward Sharp began trading from a small grocery shop in Week Street, Maidstone, in 1876. The sweets made by his wife proved so popular that the grocery developed into a dedicated confectionery business, eventually moving into a former ice rink beside the River Medway. The company became particularly famous for its Kreemy Toffee and, by 1921, claimed to be the largest toffee manufacturer in the world.

Sharp’s was also renowned for imaginative packaging and advertising, including the character Sir Kreemy Knut. The firm later received a Royal Warrant as Confectioners to Her Majesty in 1968. During the 1960s, Sharp’s became part of the Trebor group, with confectionery continuing to be made in Maidstone until the factory closed in 2000.

Condition

In good, honest vintage condition with plenty of character. The photographic image remains colourful and clearly defined, and the hinged lid remains attached and functional. There is age-related rubbing, scratching and darkening around the lid edges, together with tarnishing, spotting and surface marks to the interior and underside. The lid also shows some slight waviness consistent with its age and use. Please refer closely to the photographs, which form an important part of the description.

Suggested price

Recommended website price: £22.00

Comparable examples of this precise horseback design are currently offered at approximately £16–£26, although condition varies considerably.