M. Markley Antiques
281.748.2266

Coat of Arms - Item 3217

Item 3217	Royal Coat-of-Arms of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Dimensions	Width 62, Height 36, Depth up to 8 (in inches)
Material	Hand-painted fiberglass
Date	2002
Country	England
Price	$3,495
Description	While this rendering of the royal coat of arms is not itself an antique, it symbolizes a heritage dating back to the time of King Richard I, the Lionheart.  A central shield, divided into four quarters, embodies the symbols of England (3 lions), in the first and fourth quarters, Scotland (lion rampant) and Northern Ireland (harp).  Bordering the shield is a banner bearing the motto of the Order of the Garter established by King Edward III, Honi soit qui mal y pense (shamed be he who thinks ill of it).  Below the shield in the compartment are depictions of various flora symbolic of the United Kingdom:  the Union rose, the shamrock, and the thistle, all depicted on the same stem.  The fleurs de lis at either end of the banner are symbolic of the unsuccessful claim to the French throne, through his mother, made by King Edward III. Supporting the shield on the left side is a large crowned lion, symbolizing England, and on the right is a unicorn, symbolizing Scotland.  Below the lion, unicorn and shield is a banner with the motto of the British monarchy, Dieu et mon droit (God and my right).   Although it looks very old and as if it were made of ceramic, this coat of arms was made recently from fiberglass and painted by hand.  A special glaze gives it the patina of age.  We found it quite by accident in England and thought it would be ideal for a collector of antiques or heraldic items.  It may be hung using a hook mounted on the back but is very heavy and will require the efforts of at least two strong men.
Reference	Neubecker, Ottfried, Le Grand Livre de L'Héraldique, (Bordas, Paris, 1997).
Uses	This coat of arms would enjoy pride of place over an entryway, above a fireplace, or in any location where attention is commanded.  But most of all, it would enhance any home or business dedicated to Anglophiles, whether a pub or a country home.