This 18 carat gold mace was given to Queen's as a celebration of its new status as a University and is used in the conference of degrees at Graduation ceremonies. The head of the mace is set with four allegorical figures, and the crest of Queen's University is surrounded by semi precious stones. The finial is in the form of a Celtic cross and the tapering stem is engraved with the words 'The Gift of William Gibson, a Citizen of Belfast 1909'. This mace bears the hallmarks of the Goldsmiths' and Silversmiths' Company, London, 1909 of which Gibson was the founder. This magnificent mace has recently been restored by Garrard and Company Ltd, the Crown jewellers, with whom the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company Ltd. amalgamated in 1952.