AN antique collector is the new owner of an 89-year-old chocolate bar which commemorates a significant royal event.

Dave Dowton, 60, of Witham, is an amateur historian and collector who is now the proud owner of a very old chocolate bar which was specially made for King George V’s silver jubilee celebrations in 1935.

The chocolate is in its dated packaging, found within a vintage Cadbury tin, with a small piece of paper with it.

The eagle-eyed antique hunter spotted the chocolate on eBay and knew he had to add it to his extensive collection of memorabilia.

Braintree and Witham Times: Old - the chocolate in its tin and the card that came with itOld - the chocolate in its tin and the card that came with it (Image: Dave Dowton)

The resident was delighted to get the seller down from £160 to £80 for historic bar of chocolate.

As someone who used to work for the Trade Mark Owners Association in the 80s, he is certain it is authentic.

Dave said: “We used to work on Cadbury, Rowntree and other trademarks.

“In 1935, King George V celebrated his silver jubilee and they gave out specialist chocolate to celebrate it.

“I’ve spoken to Cadbury about this find as well.

Braintree and Witham Times: Royal celebration - the case the chocolate came inRoyal celebration - the case the chocolate came in (Image: Dave Dowton)

“The intriguing mystery is how on earth has it survived? Maybe the person passed away or maybe it got lost somewhere.

“It is original. The chocolate is essentially crystallised and it’s in a tin and the original wrapper.

“There are some things you can’t fake in life.”

As a history lover, Dave has a collection of artefacts from the First and Second World War, and other collectables from British history.

Braintree and Witham Times: Aged - a close-up on the chocolate barAged - a close-up on the chocolate bar (Image: Dave Dowton)

It has always been his dream to open a small museum.

For him, it is all about remembering the country’s culture.

Dave fears our culture is being lost.

Cadbury was bought by American giant Mondelēz International in 2010.

“It goes back to our childhood," he said.

"Chocolate is part of our culture and lives. When you are a kid, one of the first things you are given is chocolate.

Braintree and Witham Times: Size - another look at the chocolate in the tin caseSize - another look at the chocolate in the tin case (Image: Dave Dowton)

Braintree and Witham Times: History - the back of the tin which has Cadbury's old logoHistory - the back of the tin which has Cadbury's old logo (Image: Dave Dowton)

“The main message is don’t take things for granted and think about how lucky we are.

“The bottom line is be happy with what you’ve got, as it won’t be around forever.”