Scotland’s gift

The candelabras, which hold nine candles each and are nearly one metre high, were fashioned by Stephen Smith & Co of London in 1881, well before the rest of the gift set. They were supplemented by the jardinière and the tea service, which were produced by Hamilton & Inches of Edinburgh in the coronation year.

The candelabras are decorated with allegorical pastoral scenes and were engraved with the Royal Coat of Arms of Norway and Scotland before being presented to the queen. The use of the royal coats of arms is in keeping with the emblems on the jardinière and the tea service. Today the jardinière is used as a champagne and wine cooler at receptions and gala banquets at the Royal Palace.

Silver tea service

The tea service consists of a tea pot, a kettle with a stand and spirit light, a creamer, a milk jug, a sugar bowl and a tray. The tea tray, candelabras and the silver plaque on the original black wooden base of the jardinière all bear the same inscription:

“To Her Majesty Maud Charlotte Mary Victoria, Queen of Norway. From the Scottish People, 22nd June 1906.”

The candelabras and the tea service are both ornamented with garlands, but it is evident that the candelabras were fashioned somewhat earlier than the other objects.

More gifts

There were other gifts from the Scottish people as well. Kong Haakon VII received a silver cigar box and Queen Maud also received (as noted in the newspaper Morgenbladet, 25 June 1906) a necklace of Scottish aquamarine gemstones.