Silver Golden Jubilee Beaker

Item Description

A silver Golden Jubilee beaker, commemorating Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee, with heavily embossed decorations and a shallow relief of Queen Elizabeth II surrounded by embossed decoration and ribbon with inscription "to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II". The rim of the beaker with a lightly hammered texture. Hallmarked to the base London, 2002, maker Grant McDonald. H8.5cm, gross weight 258 grams.

Marking one of the most significant milestones of the modern British monarchy, this striking silver beaker was created to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Designed and made in London in 2002 by Grant Macdonald, the piece combines sculptural craftsmanship with a richly textured surface, its repoussé decoration focussed largely on a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Both a functional object and a commemorative work of art, it captures the celebratory spirit of the Jubilee year while reflecting the enduring tradition of fine British silversmithing.

This lot will be offered at our specialist Jewellery, Silver, Watches & Coins sale on Wednesday, 22nd April and is sure to appeal to a wide range of buyers.

Grant Macdonald, Silversmith

Grant Macdonald began his silversmithing career at just 14, later refining his craft in London and establishing his first workshop in the 1960s. Over subsequent decades, he built an international reputation for exceptional workmanship, supplying bespoke silver to leading retailers and undertaking prestigious commissions, including ceremonial pieces for City of London Livery Companies. Despite wider industry decline in the late 20th-century, his firm expanded globally and embraced innovation, notably through early adoption of 3D design technologies.

A defining milestone came in 2015, when Grant Macdonald London was granted a Royal Warrant to Charles, Prince of Wales, as goldsmiths and silversmiths. This honour recognises not only the workshop's outstanding craftsmanship and design excellence, but also its commitment to sustainable practices within the precious metals industry. The warrant firmly places the firm within a long tradition of royal patronage, underscoring its status among Britain's leading contemporary silversmiths.

Grant Macdonald was awarded the MBE for services to Silversmithing in the 2024 New Year Honours list.

What Does Having A Royal Warrant Mean?

A Royal Warrant is a prestigious document granted by the Royal Family to individuals or companies who have supplied the Royal Household on a regular basis. They mark a celebration of an ongoing relationship and the continued supply of exceptional services and quality products. Being in receipt of a warrant, which is granted for up to five years at a time, means the business or individual can display the Royal Arms on their products, premises, and marketing, serving as a marker of excellence. These warrants have been awarded by senior members of the Royal Household since the 15th-century, and currently there are over 800 in use, spanning a wide range of businesses and trades from painters and decorators to photographers and launderers, as well as suppliers of consumables and luxuries such as Fortnum & Mason and Cartier.

Why Sell With RWB Auctions?

Along with offering one of the lowest commission rates in the country, at just 10% +VAT on the hammer price, we also have a team of dedicated experts and friendly staff ready and waiting to guide you through the auction process from start to finish. Here at RWB Auctions, we offer free, no obligation valuations, which gives you peace of mind when bringing your treasured items in to us. We understand that many items hold sentimental value, and there is never any pressure to sell or consign to auction. We want our customers to feel confident and happy with their decision. Should you have anything you've been considering putting up for auction, then please contact us on 01793 840777 or via email at office@rwbauctions.com, and one of the team will be delighted to assist.

We are experts in silver and hold bi-monthly specialist sales showcasing Jewellery, Silver, Watches and Coins so if you have any of these items please pop along to our high street offices on any Monday or Tuesday for a free valuation or alternatively, if you're not local to us, we hold special valuation and buying events across the south of the country, please keep an eye out on our socials and valuation days page for more information. We are consigning for our next sale on 17th June now!