Silver-gilt mace, surmounted by a crown, the head with cast and applied female terms with wings forming arches, containing applied national emblems (rose, harp, fleur-de-lis and portcullis), chased with the cypher of WMR on either side, and an arms plate chased with the royal coat of arms (but with the Irish arms replacing those of Scotland). Beneath are four brackets chased with roses, and an oak shaft encased in silver gilt chased with flowers and foliage, terminating in a vase-like section with a ball 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 are carried before the Speaker into the chambers of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. This example was made for the coronation of William III and Mary II as joint sovereigns in 1689. As it lacks the Scottish thistle among the national emblems and arms of Scotland on the royal coat of arms, it must have been created before William and Mary were accepted as monarchs in Scotland, in April 1689. As this only occurred one week before the coronation ceremony it is perhaps not surprising that the Scottish emblems were not added.