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Large cast iron Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom

Creator: Walter MacFarlane & Co
Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Large cast iron Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom
British, Late 19th Century
Height 121cm, width 184cm, depth 22cm

This exceptionally well-crafted cast-iron sign is shaped in the form of the Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom. It was manufactured in the late nineteenth century by Walter MacFarlane & Co, Scotland’s prime producer of ornamental ironwork.

The central shield of the coat of arms is occupied by designs symbolic of the four nations forming the United Kingdom. Three lions represent England and Wales, a rampant lion is symbolic of Scotland and a golden harp represents Ireland. The design of the shield was created in 1707 when the Act of Union was passed. A crowned lion tops the cast iron shield. Framing the shield is a navy border reading ‘Honi soit qui mal y pense’ (‘Evil to him who evil thinks’), symbolising the Order of the Garter.

To the right of the shield stands a gold, crowned lion with its front paws resting on the shield. The left side is adorned with a crowned unicorn, formed in a similar post to that of the lion. Both creatures symbolise the United Kingdom, and this symbolism was first used in 1603.

A navy ribbon intertwined with a rose, thistle and shamrock runs the length of the piece. On it, in white is written ‘Dieu et mon droit’ translating from French to ‘God and my right’, the motto of the United Kingdom’s monarch, now King Charles III.

Three upside-down T-shaped legs support the piece.

Maker’s mark is stamped in the middle of the shield reading ‘Walter MacFarlane & Co Glasgow’.

Recently refreshed, the vibrant colours accentuate all the finely cast detailing and create a stunning ornamental piece. A piece of such a large size would have most likely decorated the façade of a building, but the coat of arms could be positioned in an interior or exterior surrounding.

Artist/ Maker: Walter MacFarlane & Co

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	England
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Cast Iron.
Creation Date:	Late 19th Century
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	17096
Incollect Reference #:	652452

Dimensions

W.	72.44 in;	H.	47.64 in;	D.	8.66 in;
W.	184 cm;	H.	121 cm;	D.	22 cm;

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.