A superb souvenir cardboard periscope viewer produced by United Dairies for the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on May 12th 1937. These simple but ingenious viewers were distributed to spectators along the London processional route, allowing them to see over the crowds as the royal carriage passed from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.

The periscope is constructed from printed card in red and cream with bold UD branding and saw-tooth edging, and retains its original internal mirrors. One side is printed with a detailed map of the “Processional Route – Outward Journey,” showing Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Parliament Street, and The Mall. The end panels are clearly marked: “Souvenir of the Coronation of King George VI, May 12th 1937.”

Condition isn’t too bad for it’s age. There are however, one or two things to note. There’s a rip on the bottom (see photos) and also, both mirrors have some black spots. However, all text is bright, easy to read and the overall shape for what is essentially, a cardboard box is fine. Pieces like this usually get squashed or outright destroyed.

An evocative and well-preserved example of 1930s royal memorabilia, capturing the excitement of the coronation celebrations and a tangible reminder of pre-war Britain. Ideal for collectors of royal souvenirs, advertising ephemera, or inter-war British social history.