Silver-gilt mace, surmounted by a crown, the head with cast and applied national emblems (rose, harp, fleur-de-lis and portcullis) and crowns, and with later GR ciphers, with an arms plate chased with the coat of arms of Queen Anne. The oak stem, encased in silver gilt, is chased with roses and lilies, with a vase-shaped terminal and a button finial. Ceremonial maces of silver or silver gilt have traditionally been carried by the sovereign's Sergeants-at-Arms or royal bodyguards since the medieval period. The shape ultimately derives from the war-mace or club although it has become increasingly decorative and less functional over time. Thirteen new maces, for each of the Sergeants-at-Arms, were created for the coronation of Charles II in 1661, although these have been altered and enhanced in their history. As symbols of royal authority, maces were also created for the Palace of Westminster and these are carried before the Speaker into the chambers of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. As this example lacks any Scottish thistles among the national emblems it is likely that it was created for the coronation of William III and Mary II in 1689. As William and Mary were not recognised as sovereigns in Scotland until only a week before the coronation ceremony it is not surprising that no reference to Scotland is made in the symbols on the mace. It is possible that this mace was used at one time in the House of Commons, which is perhaps when the cipher was changed to GR for one of the Hanoverian monarchs.