The Coronation Cup is restored to its original glory | OneFootball

In 1953, Celtic upset the odds to lift the Coronation Cup and retain their title as unofficial British champions, following the 1938 Empire Exhibition triumph.

The Coronation Cup was an eight-team tournament, held at Hampden Park featuring Scottish representation from Celtic, Hibernian, Aberdeen and Rangers, with Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur making up the English contingent.

Jimmy McGrory’s Celtic side, who were given long odds to win the tournament, had just finished eighth in the league and were given the unenviable task of facing English champions Arsenal in the first round.

With Jock Stein as captain, Celtic caused a massive upset, defeating Arsenal 1-0 to set up a semi-final against Manchester United, who had defeated Rangers in their first round tie.

Once again, Celtic delivered a shock, defeating Matt Busby’s men 2-1 to reach the final where they would take on a Hibs side which, to this day, is widely considered as the best team in the Easter Road club’s history.

Given the reason for the tournament, the two sides founded by Irish immigrants as a result of the Great Hunger going head-to-head for the trophy was a concept which would not only have seemed unfathomable at the start of the competition, but would likely have been hugely unpopular amongst the tournament organisers.

Nevertheless, in front of almost 120,000 spectators at a green and white Hampden, Celtic put Hibernian to the sword, defeating them 2-0 to claim another special one-off trophy.

Now, 73 years on from that triumph, the famous old trophy has been restored to its former glory following extensive work to the silverware and the wooden base.

STADIUM TOURS

Speaking to the club website following the Coronation Cup’s return to Paradise, Celtic’s Head of Stadium Tours & Memorabilia, Frank Rafters, expressed his joy at seeing the improvements that have been made to such a special piece of silverware.

“I’m delighted with the work that’s been done on the trophy,” he said. “We’re all delighted to see it, and a huge amount of credit should go to the people who have returned it to its former glory.

“The trophy itself was sent to a specialist in Sheffield, and they dealt with the metalwork, meanwhile the base was sent to a wood specialist.

“Expert restoration work was done on the areas which were showing signs of wear and tear, and it was given an in-depth clean and polish.

“Eight clubs played for it and only one club walked away with it, so it’s incredibly important to us to make sure that for the next 70 years and beyond, people can enjoy it the way that we have.

“These trophies are the physical representations of the club’s success and of the hard work that goes in to winning them, but these one-off trophies are extra special because no other club will ever get their hands on them.”

To see the Coronation Cup and Celtic's full trophy collection up close, book your place on a stadium tour.