John Aynsley & Son Queen Victoria Illustrated Commemorative Antique 1897 Tea Cup/Saucer

A rare and historical piece created by John Aynsley and Sons for William Whiteley, London to commemorate the September 23, 1896 Diamond Jubilee, the "longest reign in English history" of Victoria Regina (surpassed by Queen Elizabeth in 2015).  With a royal warrant, register number 287962, by "special appointment  to Her Majesty the Queen", this illustrated set depicts symbols of the British empire in addition to a gilt framed portrait of the Queen dated 1837-1897 with worded ribbons, "Empire on Which the Sun Never Sets", "Queen of England", "Empress of India", "God Save the Queen".  Cup and saucer are bordered by garlands of English roses, Irish shamrocks, and Scottish thistle. With interest to formality and etiquette, note how the framed portrait of the Queen on the cup was not placed at center near the handle, not where sipping occurs, nor toward the backside, but opposite the handle, a figurehead. NOTE: This item is a Glass Box Item and requires an exact match with regard to name, b