THREE GOLD, GEM-SET AND ENAMEL ROYAL COMMEMORATIVE MEDALS, LATE 19TH EARLY 20TH CENTURY

Comprising: two medals commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897, each of circular design centring on the profile of Queen Victoria, one within a border of white enamel inscribed "Great Britain India & Colonies", accented to the cardinal points with circular-cut diamonds and motifs representing the Kingdoms of England, Ireland and Scotland, the other of similar design decorated with a border of red enamel and accented with half-pearls, the reverse applied with a plaque inscribed "to commemorate the 60th year of the reign of H.M Queen Victoria 1897", the third medal commemorating the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in June 1902, centring on a plaque depicting the profile of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra within a border of green enamel accented to the cardinal points with half-pearls, inscribed to the reverse, "souvenir of the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra June 1902, L'Homme, propose et Dieu Dispose. Augt 9. 1902", together with a curb link chain, length approximately 420mm.

Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee was marked by many celebrations, including, on 22 June 1897, a progress to St Paul's Cathedral, where a short service of thanksgiving was held outside the building, as the Queen was too lame to manage the steps.

The Queen's progress continued via the Mansion House across London Bridge and through South London, before returning over Westminster Bridge, past the Houses of Parliament to Buckingham Palace.

Later in her journal the Queen wrote: "No one ever, I believe, has met with such an ovation as was given to me, passing through those 6 miles of streets . . . The cheering was quite deafening and every face seemed to be filled with real joy. I was much moved and gratified."