Hofmarschallstäbe und ähnliche Stäbe im 19. Jahrhundert, funktionell, zeremoniell und repräsentativ genutzt

Abstract

The history, form and function of a group of long staves, the badge of office of the Lord Chamberlain [Hofmarschall] of the kingdom of Hanover are explained. The changing and multiple meanings of the German term ‘Marschall’ are discussed and also which courtly officer used which type of staff. The short staff of a ‘Erblandmarschall’ [hereditary land marshall] is compared to the short staves of field marshals. The staff of a herald, the long staves of aristocratic chamberlains, of doorkeepers, runners and drum majors are also examined. Often only the shape and decoration of a staff’s pommel provides clues to its use and to the position of the holder. Ernst von Malortie from Hanover, the author of a handbook on the office of Lord Chamberlain [‘Der Hof-Marschall’] played an important part in the restauration of the organisation of the court.