About this piece
back to topA carved English oak armorial wall panel of handsome subject, colour and quality dating from the mid 19th century. Excellently carved, the wooden panel depicts three armorial crests below the Latin inscription “Non timidus pro patria mori” (translating to “fearless die for the fatherland”).
Known in heraldry as impalement, the central shield blends the symbols of the left shield, three crosses above three swords, with the right, a rampant lion with a central banner across, to create one combined coat of arms, suggesting a union. Perhaps this was a marriage panel to commemorate the union of two families, with the family motto above. Traditionally, the husband’s crest occupied the left part of the shield and the wife’s the right.
Over 170 years old, this antique armorial wall panel has stood the test of time, offering a glimpse into the customs and values of 19th century England.
