Silver-gilt mace; head applied alternately with curly-headed boy terms and sprays of chased acanthus foliage meeting above crowned national emblems, the cypher altered to GR; vase terminal chased, lower section with three strapwork cartouches enclosing roses and thistles. The cypher may originally have been that of William III, later altered to Queen Anne. The rose and thistle may have been chased at the same time, as they are probably emblematic of the union of England and Scotland. The cypher was later altered to that of George I. Ceremonial maces of silver or silver gilt have traditionally been carried by the sovereign's Sergeants-at-Arms or royal bodyguards since the medieval period. The shape ultimately derives from the war-mace or club although it has become increasingly decorative and less functional over time. As symbols of royal authority, maces were also created for the Palace of Westminster and these are carried before the Speaker into the chambers of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.