Great Sword of State

Purchased 1678, first use at the coronation of James`II. Broadsword, 2.58 kg, scabbard 1.06 kg, steel blade 91.5 cm (36 inches), overall length 128.5 (50 1/2 inches). It is carried before the monarch at the coronation and at the State Opening of Parliament.

The silver-gilt hilt has the image of a lion on the left and a unicorn on the right. The scabbard is covered with purple velvet; the silver-gilt motifs include the royal arms of William and Mary, as well as the English rose, the Scottish thistle, the Irish harp, the fleur-de-lys and the portcullis. These ornaments have a purely heraldic character representing the unity of the kingdom.

(Antje Beutel, Rebecca Jähner M.A., translated by Hugh Langridge M.A.)