Show old symbol of Aut authority orty the symbol of authority in the hie house and senate chambers is a wace mace this was originally a weapon of offense it 1 l was composed of iron or steel it was of great weight and capable of breaking through armor antler and particularly used in crushing helmets its use as a symbol of authority or force dates from the eighteenth century it Is shown in the haemig tapestries of the thirteenth century century carried before medieval bishops it was aas regarded as a part of the equipment of the royal bodyguards of francis 11 II of france and richard I 1 of england |