Lord Mayor's Chain
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At the opening of the Paris Exhibition in 1855, the Mayor of Sheffield was refused a seat near the throne with the other Mayors because he had no badge of office. As a result, money was raised by public subscription and the chain was bought for £325 in 1856.
The Lord Mayor of Sheffield's Chain of Office symbolises the industrial character of the City. It is made in 18-carat gold and weighs a total of 1,555 grams (the chain links weigh 995 grams and the badge weighs 560 grams). The gold itself is obviously very valuable, but the Chain is extremely precious and is in effect priceless when considering the craftsmanship and its history with the City.
In the centre is the City's coat of arms in enamel, enclosed by a wreath of laurel. The Patron Gods of the City stand on either side - Thor (the Scandinavian God) on the Lord Mayor's left, and Vulcan (the Greek and Roman God) on the Lord Mayor's right when being worn.
Above the shield are the Arms of Great Britain bearing a miniature portrait in enamel of Queen Victoria, between the Arms of the Duke of Norfolk and Earl Fitzwilliam. It is surmounted by a mayoral crown bearing the crest of the Duke of Norfolk, Lord of the Manor.
The ribbon in enamel carries the motto - Deo Adjuvante Labor Proficit (with God's help our labour is successful).
There are 27 chain links simulating tied ribbons, each inscribed with the names of past Mayors and Lord Mayors. The badge and chain are connected by two shields, one recording City status in 1893 and the other recording the title of Lord Mayor in 1897.
The number of links remains constant at 27. As new links are added on to the chain, those taken out are put on display in the cabinet in the Lord Mayor's Parlour. The latest name to be engraved on the Lord Mayor's Chain is Councillor Michael Pye, the Lord Mayor in 2004-2005.
See the links to the left for details of other items of civic regalia.
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