On your next visit to London make sure you visit a couple of the many churches in the square mile that makes up London city. I counted more than 50 of them but there may be more. They're kept in great condition largely thanks to the support of the guilds.St Mary Aldermary is one of the oldest (a church has been on this site for over 900 years) badly damaged after the great fire of 1666 was rebuilt thanks to a wealthy benefactor and an excellent example of Wren's architecture.
The sword-rest is used to hold the Lord Mayor's sword he carries in ceremonial processions. It is placed with the sword handle on the bottom with the tip of the blade pointing toward the ceiling.
This one is unique as it is one of only two wooden rests. Usually they are wrought iron. If you look closely at it you will see the date 1682 half way down below the cross of St George.
