Description
A very rare and historically interesting pair of Scottish pottery carpet balls.
The balls are simply decorated with green and maroon bands and the initials RCA and QBGS.The initials relate to the Royal Company of Archers, a ceremonial unit that serves as the Sovereign’s Bodyguard in Scotland, a role it has performed since 1822. It is currently known as the Queen’s Bodyguard For Scotland, and is located at Edinburgh. The Royal Company of Archers has a long tradition in Scotland as a body that supports and celebrates the talent of local archers. As a royally-established body it has cherished history with powerful supporters, and ceremonial powers.
It is probable the balls were from a set especially commissioned by the Royal Company of Archers during Queen Victoria’s reign.