Silver-gilt mace; stem chased with roses and thistles springing from a stem entwined by a plain spiral ribbon; the head has the four national emblems and CR cypher within laurel arches; the crown arches have corded borders to a single row of pearls.
For centuries, this mace was identified with Cromwell's mace, made by Thomas Maundy in 1649, and was believed to have been altered for Charles II after the Restoration. However, more recent research and analysis has proven that this mace was made later than 1649, and was probably made specifically for Charles II. It has been altered more recently.
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.