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ID #SA1198612
FOR SALE
£9,875
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A Monumental Late - Victorian Cast Iron Royal Coat of Arms Circa 1897
Sandbanks Antiques
for sale €11,554     $12,541
£9,875
Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2025
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    Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
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Id #SA1198612
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A Monumental Late - Victorian Cast Iron Royal Coat of Arms Circa 1897

19th century
Description

A Monumental Late - Victorian Cast Iron Royal Coat of Arms

This is an exceptional and imposing late-19th-century architectural masterpiece, measuring a massive 140cm wide.

This specific casting is an identical match to the heraldry found on the Grade II listed Victoria Bridge in Hereford, which was erected in 1897 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

Cast in heavy iron with a deep, high-relief profile, the piece features the heraldic Lion and Unicorn supporters, the central Royal Shield, and the iconic mottos: “Honi Soit Qui Mal y Pense” (Shame be to him who thinks evil of it) and “Dieu et Mon Droit” (God and my right).

Unlike smaller commercial "Royal Warrant" signs, this crest was engineered for major public infrastructure. Its scale was designed to be viewed from a distance, and its heavy-duty construction was built to withstand the elements for over a century. Retaining its original polychrome paint, the piece displays an authentic, "honest" patina that confirms its long history.

Historical Significance

The Bridge Connection: Identical to the monumental crests adorning the lattice-work towers and central span of the Victoria Bridge, Hereford.

Foundry Excellence: Likely cast by a premier Victorian foundry such as Macfarlane’s of Glasgow (The Saracen Foundry), known for providing the ornamental ironwork for the British Empire's most famous bridges.

Monumental Scale: At nearly 1.5 meters wide, its presence is best understood by its proportion to modern objects—standing over 12 times the width of a standard beverage can.

Specifications

Material: Solid Cast Iron (Estimated weight 120kg+)

Period: c. 1897–1898

Dimensions: Width: 140cm | Height: 90cm | Depth: 14cm

Provenance: The G S May Esquire Private Collection, London

Condition: Excellent structural condition. No damage. Original paint with age-appropriate weathering and character.

Display Note

The reverse features the original heavy-duty structural casting and integral mounting lugs. Given its weight, this piece is a perfect "statement" artifact for a grand interior, a substantial garden wall, or an architectural collection.

**Collection Only by Appointment**

Physical Dimensions
Height
90cm (35.43")
Width
140cm (55.12")
Depth
14cm (5.51")
Declaration

Sandbanks Antiques has dated these Cast Iron Royal Coat of Arms to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1198612
Description
A Monumental Late - Victorian Cast Iron Royal Coat of Arms
“
This is an exceptional and imposing late-19th-century architectural masterpiece, measuring a massive 140cm wide.
Sandbanks Antiques

This specific casting is an identical match to the heraldry found on the Grade II listed Victoria Bridge in Hereford, which was erected in 1897 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

fig 1. A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos.
fig 1. A Monumental Late - Victorian Cast Iron Royal Coat of Arms Circa 1897

Cast in heavy iron with a deep, high-relief profile, the piece features the heraldic Lion and Unicorn supporters, the central Royal Shield, and the iconic mottos: “Honi Soit Qui Mal y Pense” (Shame be to him who thinks evil of it) and “Dieu et Mon Droit” (God and my right).

fig 2. A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos.
fig 2. A Monumental Late - Victorian Cast Iron Royal Coat of Arms Circa 1897

Unlike smaller commercial "Royal Warrant" signs, this crest was engineered for major public infrastructure. Its scale was designed to be viewed from a distance, and its heavy-duty construction was built to withstand the elements for over a century. Retaining its original polychrome paint, the piece displays an authentic, "honest" patina that confirms its long history.

fig 3. A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos.
fig 3. A Monumental Late - Victorian Cast Iron Royal Coat of Arms Circa 1897

Historical Significance

The Bridge Connection: Identical to the monumental crests adorning the lattice-work towers and central span of the Victoria Bridge, Hereford.

Foundry Excellence: Likely cast by a premier Victorian foundry such as Macfarlane’s of Glasgow (The Saracen Foundry), known for providing the ornamental ironwork for the British Empire's most famous bridges.

fig 4. A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos.
fig 4. A Monumental Late - Victorian Cast Iron Royal Coat of Arms Circa 1897

Monumental Scale: At nearly 1.5 meters wide, its presence is best understood by its proportion to modern objects—standing over 12 times the width of a standard beverage can.

Specifications

Material: Solid Cast Iron (Estimated weight 120kg+)

fig 5. A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos.
fig 5. A Monumental Late - Victorian Cast Iron Royal Coat of Arms Circa 1897

Period: c. 1897–1898

Dimensions: Width: 140cm | Height: 90cm | Depth: 14cm

Provenance: The G S May Esquire Private Collection, London

Condition: Excellent structural condition. No damage. Original paint with age-appropriate weathering and character.

fig 6. A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos.
fig 6. A Monumental Late - Victorian Cast Iron Royal Coat of Arms Circa 1897

Display Note

The reverse features the original heavy-duty structural casting and integral mounting lugs. Given its weight, this piece is a perfect "statement" artifact for a grand interior, a substantial garden wall, or an architectural collection.

Collection Only by Appointment**

Height
90cm (35.43")
Width
140cm (55.12")
Depth
14cm (5.51")
Date of Manufacture

Sandbanks Antiques has dated these Cast Iron Royal Coat of Arms to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1198612
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2025

Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page

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A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos.
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Archive I A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos.

A Monumental Late - Victorian Cast Iron Royal Coat of Arms Circa 1897

Archive II A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View II
Archive III A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View III
Archive IV A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View IV
Archive V A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View V
Archive VI A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View VI
Archive VII A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View VII
Archive VIII A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View VIII
Archive IX A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View IX
Archive X A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View X
Archive XI A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View XI
Archive XII A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View XII
Archive XIII A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View XIII
Archive XIV A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View XIV
Archive XV A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View XV
Archive XVI A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View XVI
Archive XVII A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View XVII
Archive XVIII A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View XVIII
Archive XIX A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View XIX
Archive XX A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View XX
Archive XXI A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View XXI
Archive XXII A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View XXII
Archive XXIII A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos. View XXIII
Enlarged Archival View
Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques
Telephone 07889 139677
Location
Sandbanks
Poole
Dorset
United Kingdom

By appointment only in Poole or London.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/sandbanks
Verified Since Jan 2025
Items For Sale 193
Items Sold 82
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Verified Since Jan 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom, , By appointment only in Poole or London.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/sandbanks
Verified
Jan 2025
For Sale
193
Sold
82
A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos.
A Monumental Late - Victorian Cast Iron Royal Coat of Arms circa 1897
Ref: SA1198612
A late Victorian polychrome painted cast iron British Royal Coat of Arms featuring a gilded lion and unicorn flanking a central crowned shield with heraldic mottos.
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FAQs

A Victorian Royal Coat of Arms plaque is a heraldic representation of the monarchs official crest, featuring the crowned lion of England and the unicorn of Scotland flanking a central shield decorated with national emblems. These relief plaques were produced throughout the nineteenth century to adorn public buildings, courthouses, government offices, and royal warrant holders premises.

Late Victorian coat of arms plaques were predominantly sand-cast from heavy cast iron, allowing for intricate high-relief details such as fur texturing, lettering, and heraldic charges. Once cast, the iron was primed and hand-painted in traditional polychrome enamel pigments and accented with gold leaf detailing.

Authentic Victorian cast iron pieces exhibit substantial weight, crisp casting details along seam lines, and natural age-related wear or oxidisation beneath paint layers. Historical accuracy in the heraldic quartering, period-appropriate fonts for the mottos, and integrated mounting lugs or iron tabs on the reverse also signal genuine nineteenth-century production.

An antique heraldic plaque creates a focal point when mounted on a neutral, textured wall in a hallway, library, or above a fireplace mantelpiece. Its strong graphic quality and metallic tones pair effectively with dark wood cabinetry, exposed brick, or minimalist contemporary decor.

Dust the surface gently using a soft, dry brush to clean delicate recessed areas without scratching remaining historic paintwork. Avoid harsh liquid cleaners, solvent solutions, or abrasive sponges; if the iron is unpainted, apply a thin coat of clear microcrystalline wax to protect against moisture and oxidisation.
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