Gold State Coach, scale model of the British royal coach with carriage and complete crew in 925 silver, vermeil, enamel, metal and felt, probably Austro-Hungarian, 20th c., hallmarked 925 and HK on the two rear wheels of the coach, base 104 cm long.

The Gold State Coach is the spectacular iconic carriage that has been used at every UK coronation since 1831 when William IV became king. Originally built in 1762 to transport kings and queens, it was designed by William Chambers and made by coachmaker Samuel Butler. It consists of giltwood with an interior upholstered with velvet and satin. The impressive gold exterior features sculptures of cherubs representing England, Scotland and Ireland with a massive triton figure above each wheel. The panels are painted with imposing Roman gods and goddesses. The coach is drawn by eight Windsor Grey horses at a walking pace and is managed by nine walking grooms, six footmen, and four Yeomen of the Guard whilst four of the horses are mounted.

The coach’s most recent displays were Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee pageant in June 2022 and the Coronation of King Charles III in May 2023. Though it remains very close, this scale model has been slightly simplified in details to allow for its small size.