The arms are those of the Rajpipla State, Gujarat, India, which were granted to Maharana (Maharaja) Shri Gambirsinhji Vairisalji (1860-1897) at the Durbar in Delhi in 1877. This centrepiece was probably made during the reign of his successor, Maharana (Maharaja) Shri Chhatrasinhji, K.C.I.E., 35^th Gohil ruler of Rajpipla, who died unexpectedly at Poona in 1915.

'The new Rajah of the Rajpipla State, Maharana Shri Chatrasinhji [sic], was installed the other day. He is described by a correspondent as an enlightened Prince. He was sent to the Rajkumar College at Rakkote in 1884, and was a great favourite there. For many years he has taken an intelligent and creditable share in official work in the Judicial and then in the Land Revenue Department, so that he has had some very useful experience. The Prince is very much beloved by his people, and great enthusiasm was shown in Nandod the other day on His Highness's installation. The ceremony was performed by Mr. W. Doderet, the well-known Political Agent in Rewa Kantha, who went over to Nandod with his Deputy Assistant, Rao Bahadur Manibhai Harribhai. At the installation ceremony there were several chiefs of note, including the Raja Saheb of Barra, Prince Samatsingji, of Palitana, and several members of the families of ruling chiefs of Kathiawar. The Gaekwar of Baroda and several chiefs of Kathiawar and other Native States sent their representatives to the function. (The Colonies & India, London, Saturday, 3 June 1897, p. 8a)

The well-known and continuing firm of Barton, Son & Co. of Bangalore was established in 1861 by London-born Thomas Barton (1834-1920). He was married at Bangalore the following year to Grace Caroline Bartels Edwards (1842-1922) by whom he had several children, including Alfred Percy Barton (1868-1958) who succeeded to the business. Of Barton's many commissions, probably the most impressive was the silver casket they supplied to contain the address of the Bombay Municipal Corporation to Edward VII in 1902. This casket, standing 32 inches high, was surmounted by an equestrian figure of His Majesty after the statue presented by Sir Albert Sassoon to the city of Bombay in commemoration of his visit to India when Prince of Wales in 1875/76. 'The amount of silver [for the casket] was 637 ounces. The work was entirely executed in Messrs. Barton, Son, & Co.'s workshops by native labour under European supervision.' (Homeward Mail from India, China and the East, London, Monday, 2 June 1902, p. 725b)