32 Notes on the Corporation Plate and Insignia of Wiltshire. 



them the oaryatide figures on the bowl have developed wings, and 

 grown considerably more naturalistic in appearance, and the cap or 

 summit of the head bearing the royal arms has sunk below the level 

 of the cresting. This may be said to be the normal form of the 

 later mace. Some few — like those of Salisbury — break out into 

 abnormal developments, but the majority follow the type. The 

 only nineteenth century example to be found in Wiltshire — that of 

 Chippenham — though it is certainly original in design, can scarcely 

 be quoted as an example of the advantages of departing from es- 

 tablished precedent. 



In other kinds of corporation plate Wiltshire is less rich. The 

 mayor's chains are all very modern. Of the loving cups the only 

 really notable specimen is the Hanap Cup belonging to Devizes — 

 and the only sword of state, though it is a monument of the now 

 departed glories of Wootton Bassett, is still of no older date than 

 the present century. 



It will be well, however, to give a detailed account of each separate 

 piece, taking the corporations of the county in alphabetical order. 



CALNE. 



In 1835 the corporation consisted of two chief officers called 

 " Gild Stewards," and an indefinite number of burgesses with one 

 or two constables. The present corporation consists of a mayor, four 

 aldermen, and twelve councillors. 



The mayor's robe is of purple or chocolate-coloured cloth with 

 sable facings. 



The charters of the borough have been lost. James II. granted 

 a charter of incorporation in 1687, but it was not accepted. 



The borough possesses no ancient plate or insignia. The articles 

 at present in use are as follows : — 



The Mayor's Chain, procured by subscription at a cost of £43, 

 and first used in 1883, is of silver, hall-marked with the anchor (for 

 Birmingham), the date letter of 1881, and the makers' mark, T. & ' 

 J. B. The badge is oval in shape, the central field of red enamel, 

 on which is a tower in relief of silver-gilt and three feathers in plain 



