Trooping the Colour

This Saturday we celebrate the Queen's official birthday with the traditional ceremony of 'Trooping the Colour'. Regimental flags of the British Army were historically described as ‘Colours’ because they displayed the uniform Colours and insignia worn by the soldiers of different units. Colours of a regiment were used as a rallying point during battles and were trooped in front of the soldiers every day to make sure that every man could recognise those of his own regiment, as it was it was all too easy for troops to become disoriented and separated from their unit during conflict.  This is the origin of the word ‘trooping’. So, what today is a great tradition began life as a vital and practical parade designed to aid unit recognition before a battle commenced.

  

Today, this spectacular event remains a celebration of the Sovereign’s official birthday. Although Her Majesty The Queen’s actual birthday is the 21st April, her ‘official birthday’ is marked by the Trooping the Colour ceremony.

In honour of this event we have a rounded up a selection of items fit for a queen, in shades of red, white and blue...

A classic diamond and sapphire Edwardian ring, with lovely details at the front of shank surrounding good quality stones. A patriotic ring with stones representative of The Union Jack, offered by The Antique Jewellery Company

Silver‬ and ‪‎glass‬ ‪‎scent‬ ‪bottle‬, c1910 ‪‎Paris‬, offered by AMS Antiques

Webb glass perfume bottle silver mounted, London 1889, offered by Jack Podlewski

Victorian stone cameo surrounded by pearls, 15ct gold, circa 1890. Offered by Wimpole Antiques

Beautiful diamond single stone ring, set with a fine marquise cut diamond, c1900. Offered by Horton London

Sapphire and diamond Edwardian ring, platinum set, offered by John Joseph

19th century Meissen part service painted with floral bouquets on a rich royal blue ground picked out in gold, circa 1870. Offered by K & M Antiques

Pair of silver and enamel small candlesticks, c1950, offered by Jack Podlewski