Object No.97

We know that this plaster commemorative plate was produced before 1914 because the factory, where it was created in Austria, closed in that year. Why the plate was produced, and at what precise date, is unknown. Possibly it was for the centenary of the laying of the foundation stone (1909). Or the centenary of its completion (1914).Or it could be connected with the coronation of Edward VII in 1911, with a Royal Train link. On it’s surround, it does have, what could be seen as Prince of Wales feathers.

It was made in Austria, and, at that time, there were many factories in Austria and Germany that produced these cheap, end of the market, plaster cats. Almost certainly a number of these were produced for sale locally.