Paper discs are arranged in the order the depicted individuals served as monarchs.
RARE.2023.0012: Purchased, 2022 December
[identification of item], Chronology of the Sovereigns of England Bronze Box and Engravings, SPEC.RARE.MMS.0363, Rare Books and Manuscripts Library, Ohio State University
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Processed by: ATS students, 2023 February; Finding aid written by: Cate Putirskis, 2023 March
The Chronology of the Sovereigns of England Bronze Box and Engravings contains a souvenir metal box and paper discs issued in 1814 to commemorate the centenary of the accession of the Hanover monarchs to the British throne. All monarchs beginning with the Normans (William I, whose reign began in 1066), through George III (whose reign ended in 1820) are included in this souvenir set, with the exception of Oliver and Richard Cromwell, leaders of the Commonwealth from 1653-1659, and Mary II, consort of William III. When originally issued, the paper discs in this set were joined by a silk ribbon; however, this ribbon is no longer present.
The Chronology of the Sovereigns of England Bronze Box and Engravings contains a commemorative bronze box housing 16 paper discs. Each paper disc is two-sided, with an engraving of a monarch's portrait on each side, as well as their name, date and manner of death, their age at time of death, and the number of years their reign lasted.
Monarchs are depicted on the discs in the order of their reign, with the first sixteen monarchs appearing in sequence on the front of the discs, and the following sixteen appearing in sequence on the back of the discs (for example, the seventeenth monarch appears of the back of the disc of the first monarch).
The bronze box includes a bust and the words "His Royal Highness George Prince Regent" on one side, and the Order of the Garter and words "Chronology of the Sovereigns of England" on the other. An engraving of the Order of the Garter is attached to the inside of each of the lids of the box.