Card of the day: The Queen’s Sceptre with the Dove and Ivory Rod

Let’s examine two more of the items used in the Coronation—The Sceptre (Scepter) with the Dove and the Ivory Rod. These are depicted in the 1935 Silver Jubilee series of card by the Churchman Cigarette Company.


The Sceptre with the Dove (referred to also as the “Rod with the Dove” or the “Rod of Equity and Mercy”), like much of the Regalia, was originally made for the coronation of King Charles II in 1661. It is a gold rod with bands of gemstones which is surmounted by an orb supporting an enameled dove (a representation the Holy Ghost) with outstretched wings. The eyes, beak, and feet of the dove are of gold.

This sceptre symbolizes the spiritual authority of the Monarch. During the coronation, the Sovereign holds the Sceptre with the Dove in the left hand and the Sceptre with the Cross in the right as the Archbishop of Canterbury places St Edward's Crown on his or her head.

The next item is The Ivory Rod which is only used when the Monarch is a married male. In this instance, in the Queen's Consort 's left hand, The Ivory Rod is placed during the coronation. The rod is three and a half feel in length and is made of ivory joined together with bands of gold. The rod is surmounted by a golden orb which is richly enameled and topped by a cross on which rests a dove with closed wings.

Both of these rods can be seen in the Tower of London with the other Crown Jewels of Britain.

A Recent Stamp from the Royal Mail showing
Both the Sceptre and the Rod.