The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-03-26
THE BRITISH RECALL.
The Coronation Oil, Spoon, vestments,
and Jewels Described.
(From the London Telegraph

From the London Telegraph
At thu Society of Arts Mr.. Cyril Daven-
port gave lecture, illustrated by beauti-
fully colored lantern slides, on the Brit
ish regalin. Sir George Birdwood preside
ed and briefly introduced the lecturer,
who began by saying that few fare aware
that the ancient regalia at the Tower
were broken up on Aug. 9, 1919, under
the Commonwealth. Fortunately, how
ever, two or three items escaped, among
them being the golden ampulla for hold
ing the consecrated cream. the ancient
coronation spoon, ana the stone of the
Scottish Kings. The two former are still
in Westminster Abbey. On the Restora-
ton Charles H., through commit go,
directed the remaking of the regalia SO
far as possible upon the old lines, Sir
Robert Vynes, afterward Lord Mayor of
London, being intrusted with the task.
james II caused new crowns, circlets
and sceptres to be made for himself and
QueenaMar of Modena, and further alter
ations were made by William and Mary
The crown known as ST. Edward Is the
actual official crown of England, and even
if it be not actually worn, 1t is always
present at coronation. Describing the
moro important objects, MIR. Davenport
mentioned that the ampulla, or golden
eagle, is about nine inches in height,
weighs ten ounces of solid gold, and con-
tains six liquid ounces. The head screws
off the neck, and the oil pours out of the
beak.
The coronation spoon is believed to be
twelfth century work, and is of silver
gilt, the handle seven and half inches
long, while the bowl is divided down the
middle of a curious rib. Both these are
additionally the most sacred pieces of the
regalia, as they were. actually used in the
ceremony of amounting At a coronation
vestm ents bear an important part and
first, after amounting, is assumed the
colobium, of soft white linen edged with
rich lace, followed by the dalmatic of
cloth of gold lined with rosecolored silk.
The imperial mantle made for Queen
Victoria followed closely those of Charles
l.
lined with rose silk and fastened by a
gold morse. St. Edwards crown was
made by Sir Robert Vynes lin 1862. The
rim is edged with large pearls, and on 1t
are clusters of''colored jewels surrounded
by diamonds and set on enamels. From
this rise four crosses patees and four
heurs de lys of colored gems. From each
of the crosses rises an arch of gold edged
with large pearls ornamented with
jeweled clusters on enamels and dipping
deeply toward the centre, from which
rises a sphere Of gold surmounted by a
cross set with diamonds, colored jewels,
and large spherical pearl at the top. The
imperial crown, made just sixty years
ago, contains some of the historic jewels
of Inclination, but several new ones were
added. 1t weighs something over 80
ounces, the rim being open, and in front
has the large sapphire bequeathed to
George III by Cardinal York. Sapphires
and emeralds alternately fill the remain
der of the rim. Above this are eight large
sapphires, whence are suspended festoons
of diamonds In the centre of the cross
patee in front is the great splnel ruby
which belonged to the Black Prince in
1867, and was worn by Henry at Agin-
court in 14l5. 1t is surmounted by a
sphere of open work set thlckly with
small diamonds, and in the cross upon 1T
is magnificent sapphire. said to have
been worn by Edward the Confessor, and
to have been buried with him. In all,
besides the great ruby and sapphire, this
crown contains four rubies, eleven emer-
aids, sixteen ysapphires. 277 pearls, and
2,7s3 diamonds. The large ruby alone is
valued at 100, eco pounds.
In is interesting to know that special
box Is provided for this crown whenever
it has to take journey, the inside being
lined with white velvet. It has sliding
drawer and boss, on which the crown
fits to prevent it slipping. With this
crown is worn a crimson velvet cap
turned up with miniver, which is kept
with it. This crown m va Mr.. .. Davenport
mond cutter, may be regarded as the per
feotion of design. In the discussion
which foo I'VE ,a Sir GssErs e. Biz
TO Eastern forms, and clear Oriental
influence in the other objects, with the
exception of the crown, which is distinct
Iy national. Mr.. Stannus spoke upon the
hi