A wonderful and colorful group of vintage ephemera, five pieces, commemorating the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) and its era, ca. 1953-1965. The archive consists of an approved Souvenir Programme of the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; three maps and guidebooks of London and Windsor; and a sumptuous regal looking embossed leather wrapper.

Elizabeth II died on September 8, 1922 after reigning over the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth countries for over 70 years. Elizabeth II was coronated at Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953. The coronation ceremony was the first ever televised; transmitted worldwide; and filmed in color.

The lot is comprised of:

1. A 32pp booklet entitled "The Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II / Approved Souvenir Programme / Published By Gracious Permission of / Her Majesty the Queen" (London: King George's Jubilee Trust, Odhams Press Limited, ca. 1953), featuring numerous illustrations and maps. Expected wear including scattered foxing, toning, and wrinkles to the stock covers, else near fine. 7" x 9.625."

The booklet features full-page portraits of Elizabeth II (p. 3), Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (1921-2021) (p. 4.), Charles III (born 1948) and Princess Anne (born 1950) (p. 5); as well as smaller portraits of the Queen Mother, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (1900-2002), Princess Margaret (1930-2002), and Mary of Teck (1867-1953), who passed away just two months before the coronation (p. 6). Biographical information about Elizabeth, the Form and Order of Her Majesty's Coronation, the official route of the Coronation Procession, the order of carriages in the Coronation Procession, and information about the royal regalia are also included.

2. A 64pp booklet, eleventh edition, "Windsor Official Guide" (Windsor: Oxley & Son Printers & Stationers, 1958), providing an exhaustive overview of Windsor Castle, with illustrations and pictorial maps. Expected light wear to the cover corners, else near pristine. 5.5" x 8.5."

Of particular interest at the time of this writing (October 2022) is the booklet's discussion of St. George's Chapel, where Queen Elizabeth II was interred within the King George VI Memorial Chapel on September 19, 2022 (refer to pp. 18-27.)

3. A 32pp booklet, "Chichester's Map and Guide to the Heart of London" (London: Francis Chichester, Limited), providing a historical overview of famous landmarks, and essential touristic information like the names and addresses of "petrol pumps, car parks in open spaces, and chemists open all night." Expected light wear including scuffs or corner wrinkles, else near fine. 4.75" x 7.25."

The booklet features many illustrations, including a schematic of the London Underground Network; a reproduction of a 1560 antique map of London; and a contemporary double-sided color fold-out map of London, 17.25" x 13.25," with one side showing "The Heart of London," and the other side showing a "Plan of Bus Routes, Air, Coach, Rail and Underground Stations."

4. A color fold-out "Map of London," with a "Sightseers' Map of London" recto with "Central London Underground Transport System" schematic inset; and "Some Places of Interest Around London" verso. Expected wear including a previous owner's name inscribed on the front cover, else near pristine. Extends to an overall size of 11.75" x 17.125."

5. A 20th-century Italian leather book jacket or wrapper embossed with a crowned heraldic shield with a lion rampant on the front cover. Expected surface wear consistent with age, else near fine and with an attractive green patina. 6.625" x 8.875."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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