The Greenwich maces were presented to the council in 1914, by Sir David Salomons, in honour of the services of his late uncle, Sir David Salomons, who was a member of the old parliamentary borough of Greenwich.
Forged from sterling silver and water gilt it is richly chased with an ornamental design based on the famous Wilton Mace. The head is surmounted by the Royal Crown and surrounded by the usual circlet of crosses and fleurs-de-lis.
It is supported on a cup, carved from and modelled on the Royal Arms and Crown, with the Arms of the borough and the Arms of Sir David Salomons, and two devices chased in relief - one the Royal Cypher with Rose, and the other the Shamrock and Thistle, separated by four arabesque figures or seraphs.
Woolwich mace
The design of the silver mace represents a period of transition from being a fighting weapon to a symbol of royal authority.
Decorated with the Royal Arms and the Coat of Arms of the old borough of Woolwich, it has three curved rims springing from a collar designed with anchors and swirling waters symbolising the nautical character of Woolwich.
The handle core comes from a piece of HMS Grampion, which was broken up during the first year of Woolwich Council’s existence.