Historical information

In 1898, when Princess Wilhelmina attained her majority, she succeeded her Mother, Queen Emma, who had been Regent for 10 years. Wilhelmina reigned for 50 years until her abdication in favour of her daughter Juliana in 1948.

Significance

The House of Orange is one of the most popular monarchies in Western democracies. Widespread celebrations accompanied the Abdication/Accession.

Physical description

A souvenir pottery mug handed out to school children in Amsterdam in 1948 to commemorate the abdication of Queen Wilhelmina and the accession to the throne of Queen Juliana. This kind of mug (without a handle) was typically used by children to drink their milk. It is illustrated with the initials of the two Queens surrounded by oranges (for the House of Orange). Blue banners link the bunches of oranges. There is also a depiction of the famous steeple of the Wester Church, the Amsterdam coat of Arms, a ship, a bridge and a typical canal house.

Inscriptions & markings

Above the W: "Dankbaar voor het verleden" (Grateful for the past) 1898-1948.
Above the J: "Vol vertrouwen in de toekomst" (Full of confidence in the future) 1948