Object of the Day: A Poster from “The Petrified Forest”

In the 1990’s, Warner Brothers had a chain of stores in malls around the U.S. which, when originally opened, carried reproductions of items from the classic Warner Brothers films. Of course, as is often the case here, the stores went the way of Disney and dumbed themselves down—featuring cartoon plush toys and a wide assortment of goofy stuff. I don’t think they exist any longer.


However, this reproduction of a movie card from 1936’s “The Petrified Forest” starring Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart and Leslie Howard was among the many classic film souvenirs originally offered.

You’ll learn more about this wonderful film in this week’s “Sunday Viewing” article.

Object of the Day: A Souvenir of the Life of the Queen Mother, 2002

Not all Royal souvenirs were created to commemorate a coronation or marriage. Sometimes, items were made to celebrate the life of a member of the Royal Family after a death.


This mug, made in 2002, is a tribute to the life of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother who passed away at the age of 101. Throughout her lifetime, she was a constant source of support for her husband, King George VI, throughout World War II and until his death; she saw the ascension of her daughter to the throne and served as a trusted advisor for decades.

Featuring a beautiful portrait of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in some of her collection of beautiful diamonds, the mug’s body is predominately the robin’s egg blue which Her Majesty often wore. The reverse of the mug honors the Queen Mother with the dates of her birth and death.

Object of the Day: A Souvenir of the Unexpected Coronation of King George VI, 1937

Born in 1895—the son of the future King George V and Mary of Teck—he was welcomed into the world on the anniversary of the death of his Great Grandfather, Prince Albert. His parents were nervous to tell Queen Victoria of the child’s birth given the fact that she was distraught by the anniversary of her beloved husband’s passing. And, so, to mollify his grandmother, George V called his son, “Albert.” The name was said to have pleased the Queen who wrote, “I am all impatience to see the new one, born on such a sad day but rather more dear to me, especially as he will be called by that dear name which is a byword for all that is great and good.”


Known affectionately as “Bertie” throughout his life, the young prince never imagined that he would be king. At the time of his birth, he was fourth in line for the throne after his grandfather (Edward VII), his father (George V) and his eldest brother (Edward VIII). Nervous, plagued by ill-health and a horrible stutter, “Bertie” preferred a quiet life, marrying Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1923.

Bertie’s mother, Mary of Teck, and father both had issues with their party-boy eldest son. His parents hoped that, somehow, Bertie would one day ascend to the throne. George V was known to have said, "I pray to God my eldest son will never marry and have children, and that nothing will come between Bertie and Lilibet [Bertie and Elizabeth’s eldest daughter, now Queen Elizabeth II] and the throne."

It seemed that George V’s wish would come to pass—despite reluctance from his youngest son. Upon the death of George V, Edward ascended to the throne as Edward VIII. However, Edward was not to last a year and walked away from the role of sovereign before his coronation, preferring to marry his questionable lady-friend instead of ruling the empire.

The date of the coronation remained the same, only the king was different. May 19, 1937 saw the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later known as The Queen Mother). Aside from his personal issues, King George VI has much to deal with during his reign—the splintering of the empire as well as the Second World War.

Souvenirs from the 1937 coronation are quite interesting to me. In my collection of Royal memorabilia, I have several items with the same coronation date—some for Edward VIII, some for George VI. The souvenirs made for Edward VIII were quickly pulled from the shelves and largely destroyed, replaced with quickly-assembled pieces bearing the countenances of George VI and Elizabeth.

I especially like this mug. The images of the King and Queen are classic late-1930’s artwork. The stylized profiles set against the primarily-colored crest look almost ethereal and are the perfect symbol of the reluctant king and his supportive bride.

Object of the Day: A Drawing by Cecil Aldin, 1912

Another page from the illustrated book, Mac, by Cecil Aldin, this drawing shows Aldin’s terrier hero resting after a day of Scottish mischief.

Aldin was celebrated as one of the early Twentieth Century’s foremost artists of sporting themes. His light, loose style perfectly captured the spirit of his subjects. Here, he’s accurately rendered Mac while using few lines and relying on light and shadow to create a fully formed figure.

Having firsthand experience with the vision of a napping Westie, I have to say that this simple drawing is an effortless image of the subject.

Original copies of the book in its entirety can still be found. A recent reprinting of the book also is available—allowing new generations to enjoy Mac’s antics.

Object of the Day: A Souvenir of the Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary, 1911

Things have gotten quite muggy here at Bertie’s house. No, not just because of the humid weather, but because of the introduction of nearly a dozen new pieces of Royal Memorabilia to my increasingly large collection of such items. Thanks to my parents, my study is now filled with even more little Royal visages—particularly of George V and my personal favorite, Queen Mary.


I’ve written at length about my fondness for Queen Mary—the seemingly steely one-time Queen Mother and fierce collector of important antiquities. George V was equally fierce in a different way. He inherited the throne at a time of political and social turmoil and led his nation through the chaos of the First World War. Known to the current Queen as “Grandfather England,” George V guided both Britain and his family through a very difficult period and is responsible, in many ways, for the current face of the Royal Family and the Empire.

I do so enjoy having these Royal souvenirs around me and can’t help but smile when I look at them. They connect me to a history which means so much to me. While Britain is not my country of origin, I feel a strong kinship with its history and the way in which the story of the Empire fits into the great puzzle of world culture.

This mug is particularly special to me. At one point I had my hands on it and when we were checking out, it was accidentally separated from our purchases. So, I’m especially glad to have it. While it does not have a maker’s mark, it is dated, 1911, and it’s an unusual example of a Coronation mug of the period. It is not only brightly-colored, but decorated with English roses. With its fine images and unusual color scheme, it has a visual strength which nicely represents the power of a very important reign.

Object of the Day: An Antique Hardstone Cameo Stickpin

Since the Third Century BC, cameos have been a popular art form used in everything from seals to jewelry. During the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries, cameo jewelry wasn’t just reserved for women. Gentlemen wore cameos in rings, watch fobs and stickpins. Only in recent years have cameos been exclusively the stuff of women’s jewelry.


This lovely hardstone cameo has been set into a delicate stickpin which dates to the late Nineteenth Century. Set in a gold bezel, the cameo is a dramatic contrast of white and black, showing a neatly carved profile of a woman in classical style.

Onyx, jet and dark sardonyx jewelry was often set aside to be worn during a time of mourning when the choices for adornment were limited. A stickpin such as this could have added a bit of pizzazz to mourning attire without being overly flashy. Today, she serves as a reminder of a sense of style and beauty which, also, has sadly passed.

Object of the Day: A Cup and Saucer from the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

When we think of Queen Elizabeth II, we tend to think of her as the perfectly-coiffed sovereign with her rigid, white hair and ubiquitous blue handbag. However, sixty years ago, she was a fresh-faced, sporty princess who was known for her beauty and girlish charm.


This commemorative cup and saucer by Royal Art Pottery in Longton, England was produced for the 1953 Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It’s quite a lovely little set of a delicate bone color with scalloped edges. What’s unusual about this set is the image of Elizabeth II. Instead of the usual formal portrait which is often centered on such items, these bear a less formal likeness of the Queen in an almost candid shot. She looks quite young in her tam o’ shanter and Scottish garb. Images such as this one show Elizabeth as the keen sportswoman that she is and also serve to cast her in her role as Sovereign of Scotland.

I love this cup and saucer because of its contrast with the images of the Queen in her formal court robes. It reminds us that, at heart, she’s a very down-to earth (for a Queen) person.

Object of the Day: An Inlaid Stone Box

This dear, little box of inlaid stone is a souvenir of New Orleans brought to me by my parents from one of their trips. I’ve always admired this box for its simple design and the masterful inlay of black and white stone.


Such clever designs are an excellent representation of the artistic community of Louisiana where a variety of media thrive in the hands of countless talented native artists. From music to the visual and performing arts, New Orleans is truly one of the most creative places in the U.S.

Object of the Day: A Special Desk

I’m an arty sort of fellow—as you might have guessed. I enjoy working on my little projects, trying new media and making attractive things. I’m quite fortunate to have lots of space at my disposal. But, I never had a space which was designated for the creation of art. I’d end up working in the kitchen or in my study—neither of which lent itself to doing the often messy work that I wanted to do.


I’d long wanted a spot where I could set up an “art corner.” Now, thanks to my father’s handiness, I do. My father built this attractive desk/hutch to serve as my art center. Hand-built in an attractive antique-style, this new work space is the perfect spot for creating art. With its convenient cabinets, decorative arched niche and ample table, it’s the ideal workspace. Stained a delicious ebony color and backed in a cheerful, bright aqua, this desk is as functional as it is handsome.

Now, a corner in my utility room has become the space I’ve always wanted.

Object of the Day: An American Cut Glass Compote

When searching for a new mate for the orphaned lid of a pressed glass souvenir of Queen Victoria’s 1887 Golden Jubilee, I considered many different options from a silver tray to other items of pressed glass.


The winner of the job is this American Brilliant Cut Glass compote which dates to the early Twentieth Century. American Brilliant Cut Glass thrived from 1876 to 1914. This piece is most likely from the latter end of the date spectrum as it displays a simpler form of the classic pattern.

Rising gracefully from an architectural base, the compote is, on its own, quite attractive, but also makes the perfect stand for an interesting artifact.

Object of the Day: A Moonstone Stickpin

Mystical and mysterious, the moonstone was a popular gem of the Victorian era. It was prized for its milky blue glow and the way in which it seemed to absorb light. Moonstone was frequently used with other stones in elaborate settings, but it often found itself center stage.


Such is the case of this lovely English stickpin of 9 karat gold. The large moonstone is set into a sterling silver bezel which has been chased with a minute pattern of laurel leaves. A stickpin such as this would have been used by a gentleman in less-formal situations such as daily business or trips to the country.

Just as appealing as the day it was set, this moonstone stickpin continues to demonstrate the ethereal refraction which made this simple stone a super star.

Object of the Day: A Delicate Antique Silver Napkin Ring

One of the predominant styles of the mid-Victorian era was a resurgence of Rococo ideals, focusing on asymmetrical nature-inspired designs and curving lines. This antique silver napkin ring from England shows how the Rococo Revival developed into a distinctly French-inspired style which showcased florid edges against the polished surfaces of oblong silhouettes.


While we pull out the napkin rings on special occasions, they previously enjoyed a more active life of daily use in middle and upper class households where adhering to basic formalities was part of the family pride.

Using a set of napkin rings and cloth napkins is a great way to elevate even the simplest meal and make you feel special on the most mundane of days.

Object of the Day: A Souvenir of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, 1887

In 1887, all of Britain celebrated the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria and honored her fifty years on the throne with a procession that as Mark Twain described it, “stretched to the limit of sight in both directions," a lavish banquet and a service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.


English merchants produced a variety of souvenirs marking the occasion. Images of the queen, sculptures, china and glass items were available for the public to have a lasting reminder of the historic event. Among them, pressed glass items such as this dome were produced. Long separated from its mate, it’s certainly the lid to some kind of vessel—either a candy dish or a biscuit jar. The dome is all that remains of the original object. But, after nearly a century and a quarter, it’s amazing that this even remains at all.

It reads, “The Queen’s Jubilee, 1837-1887,” with the initials of “V.R.” and decorative Maltese crosses. A similar cross forms a handle at the top.

Recently found at a North Texas antique store, looking quite lonely, it came home with me. While it’s bottom half is no longer with us, it now sits atop a crystal compote and catches the colored light from the hallway window quite beautifully. When I walk by it, I am reminded of Queen Victoria, and, so, after all these years, it once again serves its purpose.

Object of the Day: A Royal Doulton Commemorative Mug

Royal Doulton has been producing exceptional tableware, china and collectables since 1815. The very name is revered for its quality and it has become associated with fine English style and culture. The artists at Royal Doulton have also been known to participate in the tradition of producing Royal souvenirs such as this gold-rimmed China mug made to commemorate the 1911 coronation of King George V and Queen Mary.


I’ve written at length about my appreciation of Mary of Teck. In fact, as I write this, she’s glowering down at me from a lovely photograph. She’s beautifully represented on this mug as is George V who looks far more handsome than he really was. A notable bit of trivia is that the artist has taken great pains to represent the Royal badges and insignia worn by the King and Queen Consort. For example, the Badge of the Order of Victoria and Albert is clearly identifiable amongst the jewels on Mary’s sash.

Queen Mary's Badge of the Order of Victoria and Albert
The Royal Collection

Object of the Day: An Antique Photograph of Prince Albert

Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (later The Prince Consort; Francis Albert Augustus Charles Emmanuel (1819-1861), is forever known as the beloved husband of Queen Victoria for whom she mourned until the end of her long life in 1901. After their 1840 marriage, Prince Albert was a vital part of the Royal Family and responsible for setting the tone for future generations of Royals who have followed his advise that the Royal Family should always maintain a position above politics. Aside from his role in running the Royal households, Prince Albert was a major contributor to the designs and fashion of the day and showed that he was a talented designer (especially of jewelry) in his own right. An avid sportsman and patron of the arts, Albert was tirelessly devoted to his family and ensuring their education and well-being.

This photograph is Albert dates between 1840 and 1850 and is actually French in origin, most likely sold as a souvenir. On the front mat, the words “Le Prince Albert” have been written in pencil. The same hand has written, “P-ce Albert” on the reverse. The back of the photo bears two stamps. One states it comes from the, “Maison Alph Giroux” and that “William et Cie” was the photographer. Maison Alphonse Giroux was a Parisian dealer of art ranging from sculptures to photographs.

Prince Albert showed a keen interest in photography and enjoyed collecting photos and working with photographers. Images similar to this one are still housed in The Royal Collection.