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The Lesser Regalia: Charles II

The "chape," or lower end of the scabbard is decorated with a repetition of the oak leaf and acorn design described on the hilt, but on a smaller scale. At the exteme end of the scabbard is set in diamonds a large oval turquoise. The reverse side of the scabbard is of plain gold, ornamented with devices, but is not jewelled. from THE SPURS In the list of the regalia made for Charles II., and drawn out in 1685 in preparation for the coronation of James II., mention is made of a pair of golden spurs. They are figured both in Sir Edward Walker's account of the coronation of Charles II., and in Sandford's account of the coronation of James II., and appear to be the same now as they were then, with the exception of the straps and buckles. They were made by Sir Robert Vyner, and are of the kind known as "prick" spurs, as they do not end in a rowel, but in a sharp point projecting conventional flower. They are of solid gold, richly chased in flowing patterns, and have straps of crimson velvet embroidered in gold. They are known as St. George's spurs, and are one of the emblems of knighthood and chivalry, and with the sword help to mark the military character of the sovereign. At the coronation these spurs are presented to the sovereign, and immediately deposited on the altar, being afterwards redeemed by the payment of some handsome fee. This procedure, indeed, takes place with most of the articles used at the coronation, one after the other. a In former days no one was allowed to enter a sacred edifice with military arms upon him. These were generally left with one of the attendants at the door or in the porch, while their owner went inside to pray. When the prayers were finished and the soldier came out again, he had to redeem his accoutrements with such money as he had available, and "spur money" had always to be taken into consideration when an armed knight went to his devotions. THE BRACELETS In the account of the death of Saul as given by the Amalekite, the "crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm,'"* were taken from him, and bracelets appear to have been at different times used as one of the emblems of sovereignty.