Antique Walter MacFarlane & Co English Cast Iron Royal Coat Of Arms Shield 61"

Description

Very heavy and large Mid 19th Century English Cast Iron Royal Coat of Arms Shield or Crest. Made from solid Cast Iron from the Walter MacFarlane & Co, Saracen Foundry Possil Park Glasgow. This coat of arms was reclaimed from an English Great House in the 1980s.

The English Royal Coat of Arms has many elements to interpret:
The shield is divided into four quarters. The quarters represent the symbols of Ireland, England, and Scotland. Wales does not play a role in the Royal Coat of Arms as when the Act of Union came about the Kingdom of Wales was already integral to England.

The upper left and lower right quarters of the shield feature the three guardian lions of England. In the top right is the lion rampant, Scotland’s royal symbol. In the lower left is a harp which represents Ireland.

Surrounding the shield is the Garter circlet. The Order of the Garter is a chivalric order first started by Edward III, an English monarch. The circlet is inscribed with the order of the motto: “Honi soit qui mal y pense” (shame on he who thinks evil).

Above the shield is the royal crown which is topped with a golden crowned lion.

A lion, representing England, stands on the “Dexter” (right-hand) side. A unicorn, representing Scotland, stands on the “Sinister” (left-hand) side. According to ancient legends, a free unicorn was a dangerous beast. This is why the heraldic unicorn is chained.

The lion and unicorn stand upon a small frame, commonly referred to as a compartment. Along the compartment is the motto of English monarchs: “Die et mon Droit” (God and my Right). This motto has been carried to the present royal family.

Condition

Good Antique Condition; slight wear to the paint from use and age

Dimensions

38" x 51"h x 6.5"