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Silver Ceremonial Mace Head and Illuminated Address to Robert Nicholas Fowler, Lord Mayor of London
- This silver mace was given to Robert Nicholas Fowler after his first term as Lord Mayor of London
- Cast as a portrait of Fowler himself, the silver figure depicts the statesman in full mayoral robes
- It was created by the celebrated London silversmiths Walter and John Barnard
- The accompanying illuminated document explains the occasion for the grand gift
- Get complete item description here
$28,500
Item No.
32-2963
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Description
Walter and John Barnard
Hallmarked London, 1884
Silver; illuminated manuscript on paper
Few objects embody the pageantry, authority and ancient traditions of London as powerfully as this extraordinary silver ceremonial mace head. Created by the celebrated London silversmiths Walter and John Barnard, it was presented with an elaborately illuminated address to Robert Nicholas Fowler following his first term as Lord Mayor of London. Cast as a portrait of Fowler himself, the silver figure depicts. . .
Hallmarked London, 1884
Silver; illuminated manuscript on paper
Few objects embody the pageantry, authority and ancient traditions of London as powerfully as this extraordinary silver ceremonial mace head. Created by the celebrated London silversmiths Walter and John Barnard, it was presented with an elaborately illuminated address to Robert Nicholas Fowler following his first term as Lord Mayor of London. Cast as a portrait of Fowler himself, the silver figure depicts. . .
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Walter and John Barnard
Hallmarked London, 1884
Silver; illuminated manuscript on paper
Few objects embody the pageantry, authority and ancient traditions of London as powerfully as this extraordinary silver ceremonial mace head. Created by the celebrated London silversmiths Walter and John Barnard, it was presented with an elaborately illuminated address to Robert Nicholas Fowler following his first term as Lord Mayor of London. Cast as a portrait of Fowler himself, the silver figure depicts the statesman in full mayoral robes and chain of office.
The ceremonial mace descended from the formidable weapons once carried by medieval serjeants-at-arms, evolving into magnificent emblems of lawful authority. The mace still accompanies the presiding officers into both chambers of Parliament, and neither the House of Commons nor the House of Lords may formally conduct business without it. In civic tradition, the mace precedes the mayor during processions and council proceedings.
This impressive Victorian silver figure weighs approximately 1,350 grams and is set upon its handsome wooden staff. The accompanying illuminated document explains the occasion for the grand gift. It records a meeting held at St. Michael’s Church on December 22, 1884, by the residents and officials of Cornhill, one of the City of London’s important districts. At the meeting, they formally honored Robert Nicholas Fowler for his service to the city.
Executed in brilliant blues, greens, reds and gold, the address is itself a tour de force of Victorian illumination. Fowler’s arms and the City of London’s motto, Domine dirige nos, crown the composition, while Gothic script, scrolling foliage and miniature architectural views illustrate both the history of Cornhill and the splendor of medieval manuscripts. Its central resolution praises Fowler’s “continued interest … in all matters affecting the welfare of the City,” as well as his work in Parliament and municipal government. Most significantly, the electors commend him for presiding over “one of the most successful Mayoralties on record.” The document is signed by Ward Clerk Percy Saxton.
Fowler built a career in banking before entering civic life. London elected him Sheriff and later chose him as Lord Mayor in 1883. His conduct in office won widespread admiration, and London elected him again in 1885—the last time any Lord Mayor served two terms for more than 130 years. Queen Victoria created him a baronet that same year, a hereditary title carrying the style "Sir" that formally recognized his political and civic service.
37 1/4" high x 4 3/4" wide x 4" deep
Hallmarked London, 1884
Silver; illuminated manuscript on paper
Few objects embody the pageantry, authority and ancient traditions of London as powerfully as this extraordinary silver ceremonial mace head. Created by the celebrated London silversmiths Walter and John Barnard, it was presented with an elaborately illuminated address to Robert Nicholas Fowler following his first term as Lord Mayor of London. Cast as a portrait of Fowler himself, the silver figure depicts the statesman in full mayoral robes and chain of office.
The ceremonial mace descended from the formidable weapons once carried by medieval serjeants-at-arms, evolving into magnificent emblems of lawful authority. The mace still accompanies the presiding officers into both chambers of Parliament, and neither the House of Commons nor the House of Lords may formally conduct business without it. In civic tradition, the mace precedes the mayor during processions and council proceedings.
This impressive Victorian silver figure weighs approximately 1,350 grams and is set upon its handsome wooden staff. The accompanying illuminated document explains the occasion for the grand gift. It records a meeting held at St. Michael’s Church on December 22, 1884, by the residents and officials of Cornhill, one of the City of London’s important districts. At the meeting, they formally honored Robert Nicholas Fowler for his service to the city.
Executed in brilliant blues, greens, reds and gold, the address is itself a tour de force of Victorian illumination. Fowler’s arms and the City of London’s motto, Domine dirige nos, crown the composition, while Gothic script, scrolling foliage and miniature architectural views illustrate both the history of Cornhill and the splendor of medieval manuscripts. Its central resolution praises Fowler’s “continued interest … in all matters affecting the welfare of the City,” as well as his work in Parliament and municipal government. Most significantly, the electors commend him for presiding over “one of the most successful Mayoralties on record.” The document is signed by Ward Clerk Percy Saxton.
Fowler built a career in banking before entering civic life. London elected him Sheriff and later chose him as Lord Mayor in 1883. His conduct in office won widespread admiration, and London elected him again in 1885—the last time any Lord Mayor served two terms for more than 130 years. Queen Victoria created him a baronet that same year, a hereditary title carrying the style "Sir" that formally recognized his political and civic service.
37 1/4" high x 4 3/4" wide x 4" deep
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Specifications
| Period: | 19th Century |
| Origin: | England |
| Type: | Other |
| Depth: | 4.0 in. (10.16 cm) |
| Width: | 4.75 in. (12.07 cm) |
| Height: | 37.25 in. (94.62 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
