1953 Royal Crown Derby Armorial Queen Elizabeth ERII Cipher Grocers Coat of Arms

Description

This exquisitely rare and historically significant Royal Crown Derby bone china footed oval dish, dating from around 1953, is a remarkable artifact commemorating the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Hand-decorated with meticulous craftsmanship, the dish prominently features the coat of arms of The Worshipful Company of Grocers alongside the royal cipher “ER II” (Elizabeth Regina II), both elegantly embellished with genuine 24k gold gilt. Crowned with the royal emblem, these details symbolize the enduring legacy of the British monarchy and the ancient traditions upheld by the City of London’s prestigious Livery Companies.

Measuring 23 cm in width, 16 cm in depth, and standing 4 cm high, this footed tray exemplifies the superb artistry for which Royal Crown Derby is renowned, celebrated for its fine bone china and rich decorative heritage. Classified under pattern A1043, this dish is part of a highly limited production, with only 230 pieces crafted worldwide. It forms part of a distinguished series of ceremonial objects created in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation, specifically designed for various City of London Livery Companies, thus enhancing its historical and collectible value.

The coat of arms displayed belongs to The Worshipful Company of Grocers, one of the Great Twelve City Livery Companies, holding the esteemed position of second in the order of precedence. Established in 1345, the Grocers\’ Company originated as the Guild of Pepperers, reflecting its foundational role in the medieval spice trade. Officially incorporated on February 16, 1428, the company’s arms are richly symbolic, described heraldically as: Argent, a chevron gules between nine cloves sable, arranged three, three, and three. The crest features a camel passant proper, bridled in red, and carrying a silver bale corded in red, symbolizing the company’s historical ties to trade and commerce. Flanking the arms are two griffins per fesse gules and or, representing vigilance and strength, while the motto “God Grant Grace” underscores the Grocers’ enduring values and is prominently inscribed on the dish.

The cloves depicted in the coat of arms offer an intriguing glimpse into historical symbolism. Although cloves became widespread in Europe during the 16th century, the original emblem may have represented weights (cloues) associated with medieval trade scales known as the ancel balance. Over time, the term “clou” likely evolved, and by 1531, under the authority of Thomas Benolt, Clarenceux King of Arms, the College of Arms formally adopted the spice motif. Notably, earlier versions of the arms may have featured ten cloves, later refined to nine for aesthetic balance, reflecting heraldic preferences for the symmetry and significance of the numbers three and nine.

More than a decorative porcelain piece, this dish embodies a rich fusion of royal commemoration, medieval mercantile heritage, and the deep-rooted traditions of British heraldry. It serves as a tangible link to the grandeur of the 1953 Coronation and the storied history of one of London’s oldest and most prestigious livery companies. For collectors of royal memorabilia, fine bone china, or heraldic artifacts, this footed dish represents an exceptional and irreplaceable treasure, weighing 266 grams and standing as a testament to both British history and exquisite craftsmanship.