Magnificent and large cast iron "By Appointment to Queen Victoria" Coat of Arms. We understand that this Coat of Arms originally adorned a Mens Outfitters in Saville Row, Central London.
The function of the Royal Coat of Arms is to identify the person who is Head of State: in respect of the United Kingdom, the royal arms are borne only by the Sovereign. They are used in many ways in connection with the administration and government of the country, for instance on coins, in churches and on public buildings. They are familiar to most English people as they appear on the products and goods of Royal Warrant holders.
We have seen many much smaller "Coats of Arms" although these are generally wood. This cast iron example would have cost, in it's day, a great deal of money to make and thus is an important example of it's type.
The condition of this piece is consistent with age and the fact that it has been open to the elements.
The function of the Royal Coat of Arms is to identify the person who is Head of State: in respect of the United Kingdom, the royal arms are borne only by the Sovereign. They are used in many ways in connection with the administration and government of the country, for instance on coins, in churches and on public buildings. They are familiar to most English people as they appear on the products and goods of Royal Warrant holders.
We have seen many much smaller "Coats of Arms" although these are generally wood. This cast iron example would have cost, in it's day, a great deal of money to make and thus is an important example of it's type.
The condition of this piece is consistent with age and the fact that it has been open to the elements.