Place this large, colorful antique stand at your front door or in your mudroom to collect umbrellas, canes or other accessories. Created in England, circa 1890, the iron bucket with top and side handles is decorated with a coat of arms with a shield, lions, unicorn, flag, windmill, and armor motifs on blue and black background. The motto "Heaven's Light Our Guide" is displayed on the banner across the bottom of the design. The bucket is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, and adorns a rich and bright painted finish with gilt accents.
Heaven's Light Our Guide was the motto of the Order of the Star of India; the order was created in order to include Indians in the British chivalric system once it became a direct part of the British empire after 1857. As well as being on a number of British Indian flags it was worn as a badge by its British and Indian members. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Parsis could not be expected to wear a Christian symbol or motto. Hence it is a star and a very general ecumenical motto.
Measures: 17" W x 16" D x 17.25" H.