At Michael Spiers, we take great pride in our deep-rooted connection to the South West. So, when we had the privilege of cleaning and maintaining several prestigious pieces from the Saltash Town Council, we were especially delighted.

With centuries of history woven into these remarkable pieces, we were eager to honour Saltash’s rich heritage and the significance these treasures hold for the local community. Entrusted with the task of reconditioning them, we had the privilege of working on:

• The Saltash Town Maces

• The Mayoral Chain

• The Saltash Oar Maces

• The Saltash Wax Seal

• Mayor's Consort Chain

• Deputy Mayor's Chain

• Deputy Mayor's Consort Chain

Each piece carries a story, and we were delighted to help preserve their legacy for generations to come.

In this article, we will explore the rich history behind each piece and share how our expert Goldsmiths meticulously reconditioned them, breathing new life into these treasured symbols of Saltash’s heritage.

Saltash, a charming town in South Cornwall, sits along the banks of the Tamar River, just across from Plymouth. Its name has evolved over centuries, originating from the ‘Esse’ family before transitioning to ‘Trecarrel.’ The town was once called ‘Villa d’Esse,’ later becoming ‘de Ashe’ and eventually referred to as the borough of Ashburgh. With the addition of ‘Salt,’ it took on the name we recognise today - Saltash.

Often referred to as the gateway to Cornwall, Saltash is steeped in history and deeply connected to the Tamar River, offering a rich heritage which you can explore here.

Fast-forwarding to modern times, Saltash has appointed a Mayor since 1886, elected by fellow councillors to preside over the town and council meetings.

Steeped in history, the Saltash Town Council has a variety of historical silver pieces that they use for prestigious occasions. At Michael Spiers, we were given the incredible opportunity to recondition some of these pieces. 

The arrival of the Saltash Town Maces in our workshop was truly a breath-taking moment. These magnificent ceremonial pieces, each crafted from sterling silver, stand an impressive 3 feet 7 inches tall. Their intricate design showcases exquisite craftsmanship, with the stem adorned with symbolic motifs - the rose, shamrock, thistle, and acorn - representing unity and heritage.

Atop each mace, three finely sculpted figures support the richly detailed head, which features:

• A three-masted ship, symbolizing Saltash’s maritime legacy

• The Prince of Wales’ plumes, signifying royal association

• An anchor, representing the town’s strong naval connections

• The arms of the Buller family, honouring an influential local lineage

The Mayoral Chain, proudly worn by the Mayors of Saltash, is a stunning piece crafted from 18ct gold, featuring 40 intricately designed links, each with its own unique story.

Among these links, nineteen display the same shield, three are engraved with crests on the front and the names of mayors on the back, while the remaining links commemorate various past mayors.

At the centre of the chain, a distinctively shaped shield records the historic Water Court of 1983. This shield depicts an ancient ship with a single mast and a furled sail. Attached to it is a remarkable medallion, inspired by the common seal used until 1886. Designed in the shape of St. John’s Cross, the seal features a lion-adorned shield, flanked by supporters, and crowned with a prince’s coronet resting above ostrich feathers - symbols closely tied to the Duke of Cornwall.

In addition to these remarkable pieces, we were also entrusted with two small silver oar maces, each measuring approximately 7.5 inches in length. Dating back to 1760, these artifacts play a vital role in Saltash’s ceremonial traditions.

Historically, the oar maces were carried by town sergeants as symbols of their authority when making arrests aboard vessels in the harbour. Their intricate design reflects their significance, with the Duke of Cornwall’s plumes adorning the top, while an anchor and ship are beautifully engraved on one side of each oar’s blade.

These small yet historically rich pieces serve as a powerful reminder of Saltash’s maritime legacy, and it was a privilege to help preserve them.

Lastly, we were entrusted with the Saltash Wax Seal, a brass emblem beautifully marked with the Duke of Cornwall’s plumes. Accompanying the seal was a sterling silver inkstand, which carried with it a fascinating piece of history.

Inside the inkstand was a small note honouring Philip Syng, whose son, born in 1703, crafted the silver inkstand while in Philadelphia. While Philip Syng founded the business, his son continued his work and became a personal friend of Benjamin Franklin. Discovering this connection was truly thrilling, as it revealed Saltash’s ties to the broader world during this significant era.

Restoring each of these remarkable pieces presented its own set of challenges, but none were too complex for our skilled in-house Goldsmiths. As we undertook the task of reconditioning these invaluable artifacts, the transformation was striking, there was an immediate and noticeable improvement in their condition. We employed a range of specialised techniques, ensuring that Saltash’s rich history was not only preserved but enhanced for future generations to appreciate.

With this deep history in mind, it was an incredible honour to restore these treasured pieces. We take great pride in supporting our neighbours and contributing to their rich heritage. Seeing these beautifully restored artifacts on display at events is a truly rewarding moment for us at Michael Spiers, and we look forward to continuing our support for Saltash in the future.