Paste reproductions of the Coronation crown, orb and sceptre, CIRCA 1953

Comprising: a replica of St Edward's Crown decorated with coloured pastes, with purple velvet and a fur trim, circumference approximately 520mm; a replica of the Sovereign's Sceptre, incorporating a simulant stone representing the Cullinan I, length approximately 1010mm; and a replica of the Sovereign's Orb, similarly set, height approximately 260mm, circumference approximately 470mm, accompanied by three velvet cushions.

Each piece formed in brass and mounted with coloured paste representing precious gemstones including emeralds, rubies, sapphires, amethyst and diamonds. Crown: trimmed with chinchilla fur, some losses, moulting. Silvering with some losses. Coloured pastes bright and in overall good condition. One colourless paste deficent. Slight tarnish and discolouration to brass. Purple velvet slightly damaged at top. Lining in good condition. Weighing approximately 2,286.3 grams. Orb: Slight dent to underside. Slight tarnish and discolouration to brass. Silvering with some losses. Simulant pearl beads, some with slight losses to paint. Coloured pastes bright and in overall good condition. Weighing approximately 723 grams. Sceptre: Surmount with replica of the Cullinan I detatches from the stem of the sceptre with a screw thread. Handle with indendations. Coloured pastes bright and lively. Slight tarnish and discolouration to brass. Surmount weighing approximately 375.2 grams, handle approximately 636.6 grams, weighing approximately 1,011.8 grams in total. In good condition. Accompanied by three red velvet cushions with golden tassel and trim. A small trunk and a tube to contain the three pieces.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place on 2^nd June 1953 at Westminster Abbey. Several replicas of the crown jewels, including St Edward's Crown, the Orb and Sceptre, were made at the time of the Coronation to go on exhibition within the Commonwealth. The provenance of this piece indicates that it was originally on exhibition in New Zealand.

St Edward's Crown

Originally created in 1661 and later reworked, the crown applied with four fleur-de-lys motifs and four cross pattée. Above these are two arches meeting at the centre to support a jewelled cross. In total the crown contains 444 precious and semi-precious stones and  the base is trimmed with ermine fur. The crown is also seen represented on the Royal Coat of Arms for the United Kingdom.

The Sceptre

Known as the Sovereign's Sceptre with cross, this represents the Monarch's transitory power under God.  This is held in the right hand during the Coronation ceremony and was made at the same time as St Edward's Crown in 1661. In 1910, the sceptre was redesigned to incorporate the Cullinan I diamond, also known as the Great Star of Africa.

The Orb

This is held in the left hand of the Sovereign's during the ceremony. The cylindrical base represents the globe and the cross represents the Sovereign's role of defending the faith of Christianity around the world.