Royal Commemoratives

Antique Edward VIII Coronation Mug 1937 – Midwinter Burslem, "The Coronation That Never Was," Drum Shape, Cobalt Blue Rim, England 1936

Made for a king who chose love over the crown. This Midwinter drum mug carries Edward VIII's portrait and a coronation date that never came — one of the most collectible curiosities in British royal commemorative ware.

A vivid polychrome portrait of Edward VIII in full military dress dominates the front — laurel-crowned, flanked by crossed Union Jacks and royal standards, the Imperial Crown above and a ribbon below reading "Crowned May 12th 1937." On the reverse, the E VIII R cipher sits within a blue shield beneath the crown, framed by golden laurel branches. A crisp cobalt blue line rings the rim and traces the handle, giving the mug a formal edge against its cream-white body.

Edward abdicated in December 1936 before the coronation could take place, making every piece manufactured for that day an artefact of "The Coronation That Never Was." Produced by Midwinter of Burslem — a Staffordshire pottery known for quality wares — this drum-shaped mug is a less common variant than the standard tapered form, and carries the maker's distinctive circular backstamp. Overall crazing is present and entirely typical for 1930s earthenware of this age.

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Details

Type
Commemorative Mug
Maker
W.R. Midwinter Ltd (Burslem)
Origin
England
Era
1936 (made for proposed 1937 coronation)
Subject
King Edward VIII Coronation
Shape
Drum / straight-sided
Size
Approx. 3 in (7.5 cm) tall
Material
Earthenware
Decoration
Polychrome portrait transfer, E VIII R cipher, cobalt blue rim line
Markings
"Midwinter / Porcelon / Burslem" circular stamp

Condition

Good antique condition. Portrait and cipher transfers are bright and fully intact. Cobalt blue rim line crisp. Overall crazing consistent with age. No chips, cracks, or repairs. Please review all photos as part of the condition record.

Backstamp & Pattern

Maker's mark on the base of Antique Edward VIII Coronation Mug 1937
Maker
W.R. Midwinter Ltd (Burslem)
Era
1936 (made for proposed 1937 coronation)
Mark on base
"Midwinter / Porcelon / Burslem" circular stamp

The base carries the maker's printed mark; the wording — especially “England” versus “Made in England” versus “Bone China” — together with any pattern or registration number are the main clues to its age.

Read the full backstamp & pattern guide →

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