JOHN BONNAR OF CELTIC F.C., CORONATION CUP WINNERS SILVER TROPHY, 1953

the assayed sterling silver twin handled trophy with domed cover and footballer finial, the body relief decorated with profile of Queen Elizabeth II below the inscription CORONATION CUP, inscribed verso 1953 WON BY JOHN BONNAR CELTIC F.C. 20.5.53, on plinth base 21cm high Note: Similarly to the Exhibition Cup, this tournament was an important chance to test the team against opposition from a different league. It was contested to mark the coronation of Elizabeth II, with Aberdeen, Celtic, Hibs, Rangers, Arsenal, Manchester Utd., Newcastle Utd., and Tottenham being invited to take part. Despite not being favourites, Celtic saw off Arsenal (1952/53 Division 1 champions) and Manchester Utd. (1951/52 champions), to meet Hibs in the final. Indeed, the person to whom this was awarded, goalkeeper John Bonnar, was critical in helping the team to victory. With his help, Celtic won the final 2-0 vs. Hibs in front of 117,000 spectators at Hampden. Again, in the words of the Willie Maley song: 'Well Coronation time was here, Fifty Three, that was the year, Another four from England met their doom. They said ‘we’ll have to try again’, But like before it was in vain, Because the Cup is in the Parkhead trophy room'