OUR TREASURES
Our Company is proud of its treasures, each of which play a significant part in our traditional ceremonies and at our lunches and dinners.
THE BALLOT BOX
Our Edwardian stained oak and mahogany ballot box is used at Court meetings to vote for new candidates seeking to join the Livery, and on any sensitive matters.
THE CEREMONIAL MACE
Emblematic of the authority invested in the Master, Wardens and Assistants. Read more…
THE LOVING CUP
A two-handled silver-gilt cup and cover, made in London in 1841 and presented to the Livery in 1955 by Past Master Alan Adler (father of Past Master John Adler and grandfather of Past Master Fiona Adler) for use as a loving cup.
SALZMAN COLLECTION OF 18TH CENTURY DELFT TOBACCO JARS
A collection of tobacco jars with brass covers, donated in 1963 by Elia Salzman, founder of the Elia Salzman Tobacco Co Ltd of London. Jars like these were originally filled by tobacconists with particular blends of tobacco. Some of the collection is kept in the dining room of the Guildhall.
SILVER CUPS
A large silver tyg (three-handled mug) made by William Hutton of London in 1886, and a later silver cup and cover, both presented to the Livery by Past Master Edmond Hardcastle in 1969.
SMOKING CAP AND STAND
Smoking caps were popular as informal gentleman’s wear from the late 1840s through to the 1880s. The caps were usually made of velvet or felt and often quilted inside. Some had tassels attached for added flair. Gentlemen originally wore them for warmth and to reduce the smell of smoke in their hair. Read more…
SNUFF MULLS
Our Livery owns three silver-mounted ram’s horn snuff mulls, which are used at our formal dinners. They were presented by Past Master Nigel Rich, Past Master Richard Tranter and Past Master Charles Miller respectively. Our most magnificent ram's head mull , nicknamed Cedric, was presented by Singleton & Cole and is kept in the Guildhall. Read more…
TOBACCO PARAPHERNALIA AND PRINTS
Our collection of tobacco paraphernalia, including antique prints of tobacco pipe making, are on long-term loan to the Broseley Pipe Works Museum, part of the World Heritage site at Ironbridge Gorge in Staffordshire. Examples of some of the prints can be viewed on this website in the Print Library.
ANOINTING SCREEN FOR THE CORONATION OF HIS MAJESTY KING CHARLES III
We are very proud to have donated, along with many other City Livery Companies, to the creation of the Anointing Screen made for the Coronation of King Charles III under the aegis of the Royal School of Needlework. The screen was used at the most sacred moment of the Coronation, when the King was anointed with holy oil.
King Charles III is a keen supporter of preserving heritage craft skills, and the screen's creation was a collaboration of specialists in traditional crafts, including weaving, calligraphy, cabinet making and embroidery.
Photos of Anointing Screen by the Press Association.