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1 of 253523 objects
The Sword of Spiritual Justice early seventeenth century
Iron, steel, copper, wood with scabbard of leather, velvet, silver gilt | 116.8 x 99.7 cm (whole object) | RCIN 31729
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Sword with a gilt-iron hilt with a wooden, wire-bound grip, the escutcheons of the guard triangular and rather sharply pointed, with a steel blade, struck with a maker's mark at the top and incised further down with a "running wolf" mark, and with a velvet-covered scabbard with gold embroidery and silver-gilt mounts. This sword, known as the Sword of Spritual Justice, is one of three swords which are carried unsheathed, pointing upwards, in the coronation procession. This sword is accompanied by the Sword of Temporal Justice and the Sword of Mercy (with a blunted tip). The practice of carrying three swords, representing kingly virtues, dates back to the coronation of Richard the Lionheart in 1189. The three swords were made for the coronation of Charles I in 1626 and then placed with the regalia in Westminster Abbey. Together with the coronation spoon, these three works were the only pieces to survive the Civil War and Interregnum untouched. It is not known whether they were used in the coronation procession of Charles II, but they have certainly been used since 1685. A new scabbard was made for the sword in 1821 for the coronation of George IV.
Provenance
Probably supplied for the coronation of Charles I in 1626
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Creator(s)
(jeweller)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Iron, steel, copper, wood with scabbard of leather, velvet, silver gilt
Measurements
116.8 x 99.7 cm (whole object)
Category
Object type(s)
Alternative title(s)
The Sword of Justice to the Clergy or Kirkmen, also known as