Everywhere I turned at the auction house, I saw Queen Elizabeth II’s smiling face on a comemorative plate.
It was both jarring and refreshing to see her happy and smiling, especially after observing the stoic-faced image of the lady of the British monarchy at last weekend’s royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Hers was among a group of collector’s/commemorative plates of the royals spread out over several tables.
Prince Charles and Diana and Charles and Camilla were there, along with Prince Harry as a baby and Prince William as a toddler. The Queen Mother was there, as well as Prince Phillip.
As I stood there, I wondered how soon we’d see collector’s plates for Harry and Meghan. Googling, I found that an “official” plate – without their faces – had been offered for sale since March, along with other non-official ones of the doting couple. Much of the memorabilia – far more than just plates – went on sale right after they announced their engagement.
I also found a plate of a kissing Meghan and Harry in wedding attire offered for sale by Bradford Exchange, known for its limited-edition collectibles (which include dolls and figurines). It was selling for $49.99.
The “official” plate commissioned by Buckingham Palace has the 22-carat gold engraved initials “HM” tied with a tiny white ribbon. It is cornflower blue with white trim inspired by the ironwork on the Gilebertus door on St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle where the couple wed on May 19.
The English bone china was made by hand in the famous pottery city of Stoke-on-Trent, England, with methods that have been around for 250 years and utilizing more than 50 potters from several factories.
The setting also includes a regular-sized coffee mug, mini coffee mug, pillbook and tankard. They range in price from 49 British pounds (about $65 in US dollars) to 19.95 British pounds ($26.62). Profits from the sale will go to the Royal Collection Trust charity, which, among other things, produces commemorative items for royal celebrations.
Production of commemorative memorabilia of the British monarchs began during the 17th century, but really kicked off during the reign of Queen Victoria in the 18th century. Items were mass-produced, first by small potters sometimes in advance of the celebrations and soon by some of the major pottery houses.
Now, thousands of companies make all sorts of collector’s items, and thousands of people across the world collect them – much of it not commissioned or licensed by the monarchy. The royals have not trademarked themselves so anyone can produce and sell a product with their faces – as seen in the many Queen Elizabeth plates at auction. Princess Diana and Queen Victoria appear to be the most popular.
Most of the mass-produced commemorative items have little or no resale value. Unless you’re lucky enough to find a rare Queen Victoria piece (some plates said to be from the late 19th century were sold for less than $100 on eBay) or something directly from Harry and Meghan’s nuptials, such as an invitation to the wedding or reception.
