Queen Victoria 1887 Golden Jubilee Commemorative Glass Plate with Gilded Inlay
Commemorative Plate / Numismatic Collectible · Yellow Gold Gilt application on glass
Purity: 22K-24K Gold Leaf or Gilded Overlays (Gilt)
Type
Commemorative Plate / Numismatic Collectible
Purity
22K-24K Gold Leaf or Gilded Overlays (Gilt)
Gold Type
Yellow Gold Gilt application on glass
Weight
Negligible gold weight; primarily pressed glass weight (approx 300-500g)
Description
A Victorian-era pressed glass commemorative plate celebrating the 50th year of Queen Victoria's reign. The central feature is a profile portrait of the Queen in her 'Jubilee Head' coronation robes, accented with gold gilding. The plate features an ornate floral border of roses, thistles, and shamrocks representing the UK, capped with a scalloped edge. The top inscription '1887 YEAR OF JUBILEE' is highlighted in gold.
Key Features
Jubilee Head portrait of Queen Victoria; gilded lettering; celebratory floral motifs; scalloped rim; pressed glass texture
Color & Finish
Rich, warm yellow gold aesthetic; matte to slightly burnished finish on the portrait with high-luster gilding on the lettering
Hallmarks & Stamps
No metal hallmarks visible; marks typically found on the reverse glass indicating the manufacturer (e.g., F. & C. Osler or similar Victorian glassworks)
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 9 to 11 inches in diameter
Gemstones & Inlays
Gold leaf/gilt decorative inlays into recessed glass sections; no gemstones present
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable (Display dish)
Chain & Links
Not applicable (Smooth scalloped edge glass)
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-pressed glass with hand-applied gold leaf or chemical gilding. Detail in the Queen's veil and crown shows high levels of Victorian mold-making skill.
Authentication Indicators
Stylistic consistency with 1887 commemorative ware; characteristic Victorian pressed glass texture; visible aging/thinning of the gold leaf consistent with 130+ years of age
Origin & Maker
United Kingdom; likely a British glass manufacturer like Sowerby or Davidson for the mass commemorative market
Era & Period
Victorian Era (1837-1901), specifically 1887 Golden Jubilee
Age Estimate
Produced circa 1887
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of the British Empire and the public's fascination with the monarchy during the late 19th century.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good; visible wear to the gilding especially on the raised lettering and portrait edges (typical of Victorian gilt-glass); no major chips or cracks visible
Value Estimate
$50 - $150 USD. The value is based on historical collectibility rather than gold content, as the gold is a thin surface layer.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with extremely mild detergent only; avoid scrubbing the gilded areas as the gold leaf is very fragile; do not use ultrasonic cleaners or dishwashers.
Similar Items
1887 Jubilee Gold Sovereigns (solid gold coins); 1897 Diamond Jubilee glass plates; non-gilded clear glass versions of the same design.
Interesting Facts
The 1887 Golden Jubilee was one of the first major events to spark a massive global market for mass-produced royal commemoratives, ranging from fine gold coins to accessible glass plates like this one.