Silver-gilt mace, surmounted by a crown, the head with cast and applied national emblems, crowns and wingless female terms, applied alternately, with a later chased WMR cypher on either side of each emblem; the arms plate is chased with the Stuart coat of arms. The oak stem is encased in silver gilt and is chased with roses, thistles and foliage, and the knops with acanthus, with a vase-shaped terminal with roses and thistles. 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. This example is probably one made c.1674 for Sir George Charnock, the Lord Chancellor's Sergeant-at-Arms. It was sent to Ireland in 1692 either for use as the Lord Lieutenant's Mace or the Sergeant's Mace. It was returned to England in the twentieth century.