CROWN JEWELS ON THE AIR

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 35, 11 February 1937, Page 28

CROWN JEWELS ON THE AIR

During a recent television programme from the British Broadcasting Corporation, full-size replicas of the Crown jewels were taken to Alexandra Palace to be televised in afternoon and evening transmissions, with a historical commentary by Kenneth L. Davy. Mr. Davy, who has spent many years in making "jewels," swords, and similar theatrical properties, showed and described five crowns copied from originals in the regalia. Of these the most important is, of course, the Coronation Crown, sometimes known as St. Edward's Crown, fashioned in gold and used only for the actual Coronation ceremony. The original was made for Charles 11. The televiewers also saw a copy of, the Imperial State Crown, which is used for all. State occasions other than the Coronation; constructed of silver, this ' Crown was, made for Queen Victoria. Queen Mary's Crown, which was made for the Coronation in 1911 and .contains the famous Koh'inoor diamond,. was also seen in replica.

An interesting history attaches to the Imperial Crown of India, a model of which Mr. Davy displayed. This was specially constructed for use at the Delhi Durbar. The ; original intention was that King George V should wear the • Imperial State Crown, but it was .discovered that to take the Royal Crown from this country was illegal. . ■ - '

A model of the , Prince' of. Wales's Crown was televised and the, exhibit concluded with sceptres, swords, annointing spoons, and other items copied ' from the . regalia at the Tower.