This is a full-size, hand-shaped replica of British Parliament’s Black Rod.
It is the exact length and style of the original, includes metal-core pieces finished in a golden patina, as well as a replica 1904 British Sovereign coin, imported from the United Kingdom, set in the base.
Black Rod is the ceremonial staff carried by the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod when he marches from the House of Lords to the House of Commons for the State Opening of Parliament. It’s a tradition that dates to 1640: after the Commons slams the door in his face, he strikes the door three times with Black Rod, forcing his way in. His authority is exercised only on behalf of the Crown, to summon Members of Parliament for the King’s speech, to attend the Lords during prorogation, or on other formal royal occasions requiring MP presence.
At the head of the staff sits a gilded lion rampant, with a metal core, holding a shield bearing the royal cypher of King Edward VII, encircled by the garter inscribed “Honi soit qui mal y pense,” Anglo-Norman for “Shame be to him who evil thinks.” This emblem of Edward VII’s reign, combining the lion of England with the motto of the Order of the Garter, embodies the authority of the Crown and the sovereignty that the Black Rod represents within Parliament.
At the center of the rod, below the lion, the central collar serves as the staff’s point of balance. It also has a metal core. Oak leaves are carved around the body, a symbol long tied to the British monarchy for strength, endurance and loyalty.
The base of the staff is capped by a golden mount that holds a solid metal replica of the 1904 British Sovereign coin originally inserted in 1904. The coin depicts St. George slaying the dragon. This replica coin was particularly difficult to source, but I found a coin collector in the United Kingdom who agreed to sell me one.
The shaft is solid oak, in keeping with the oak theme of Black Rod. It is finished in deep ebony, and runs uninterrupted down the whole length, passing through the internal metal core and acrylic in the head, collar and base to ensure the rod has the weight, feel and rigidity of the original. The shaft has no flex.
This replica took me four months to design, hand-shape and source the replica coin from the United Kingdom. I made it for collectors of parliamentary and royal regalia, history buffs, or just anyone who wants a decoration that says “Westminster” without needing a label. I designed it as a display piece, a set dressing for theatre and film, or as a teaching tool in classrooms and exhibits explaining the Westminster system and Black Rod’s role in controlling access to the Lords.
Photo credit: photos from House of Lords used consistent with terms and conditions of CC BY 3.0, copyright House of Lords, Roger Harris. Link to license: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en. No changes to images beyond crop and mosaic.
Made in the USA.
