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1939-224, Mace
Mace of the City of Williamsburg (partially reconstructed)
1939-224, Mace

Mace of the City of Williamsburg (partially reconstructed)

Date1749-1750
Marked by Peter Archambo II & Peter Meure (active 1750-1768)
Secondary Maker George C. Gebelein
OriginEngland, London
MediumSterling silver (modern and pre-industrial), gilding
DimensionsOverall: 41 1/2 × (diameter of bowl) 5 1/2in., 57.8lb. (105.4 × 14cm, 26.2kg)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1939-224
DescriptionGilded silver mace with royal crown of conventional form surmounted by a cross pattee with molded edge and ball tips at ends of arms and in center on banded orb with bolt-and-nut attachment to intersection of arches; four arches of strap form quartering the circlet with beaded edges simulating pearls and chased geometric forms in center of each simulating jewels (rectangle, oval, canted rectangle, circle, lozenge, and oval); arches attached with intervening cross pattee with molded edge and central circular boss to upper section of circlet with scalloped edge and large fleur-de-lis between arch attachments; lower section of circlet in the form of a band chased with geometric forms simulating jewels (repeat of oval, rectangle, and lozenge); circlet rests on rim of bowl of rope form; the bowl bears amidst chased leaves and scrolls a standing female figure in classical dress holding a spear in her right hand with her left hand resting a shield with mask with motto "VIRTUTE ET LABORE FLORENT REPUBLICAE" (States Flourish by Virtue and Toil"), the arms of the colony of Virginia.
Label TextCeremonial maces are decorative rods or staffs derived from ancient war clubs. Usually made of precious metal or metal and wood, maces have been symbols of civic, institutional, and religious power for centuries. Today, maces are most often used in ceremonies like college graduations. They are also used when the United States House of Representatives or the British Parliament is in session.

Some cities in colonial America owned maces, but few examples survive today. The mace of the city of Williamsburg has undergone several transformations. Because the early records of the Williamsburg Common Council were destroyed during the Civil War, much of the mace’s history remains unknown. Originally made in London in 1749–1750, the mace was probably sold by the city in the late 18th century. By the end of the 19th century, it had been cut down and its parts converted into a goblet. In 1941, it was reconstructed to its present form.

Inscribed"VIRTUTE ET LABORE FLORENT REPUBLICAE"
English royal arms. Arms, crest and motto of the Virginia Colony and arms, crest and motto of the city of Williamsburg, Virginia.
MarkingsMarked in relief on bowl or cup of mace head: 1) "P*A" with "P" above and "M" below, within a quatrefoil [Grimwade 1990, 2129]; 2) leopard's head crowned; 3) lion passant; and 4) date letter "o" for 1749-50
ProvenanceCity of Williamsburg
Colonel William Heth (1735-1808)
Major General Henry (Harry) Heth (1825-1899)
Miss Nannie Heth (dates unknown)
William Randolph Hearst (1863-1951)
M. Parish-Watson & Co., Inc.
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation