Lot 6439
A helmet M 1848 for officers of the British Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms
Orders and Military Collectibles until 1918 | A108m | Live auction | 313 Lots
Description
Gilt tombac skull with appliquéd, gilt fittings in the shape of raised oak leaf branches, volutes and tendrils. The extended oval English coat of arms appliquéd in the centre at the front on a silver faceted star, the motto of the Order of the Garter „Honi soit qui mal y pense" inscribed around the edge. Multi-part chinscales backed with leather and embellished with oak leaves, a hinged lion's paw clasp. Fully sculptured lion's heads on the side. Undulated socket for the white swan's feather plume (somewhat tarnished, incomplete). The undersides of the visors lined in brown leather. Lined in padded, beige silk. Slightly damaged in places, signs of age and wear. Splendid helmet of the utmost rarity. The gilding in outstanding condition. The tradition of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms as the monarch's personal bodyguard dates back to the Pensioners, founded by Henry VIII in 1509. Founded in their current form in 1862 under Queen Victoria, they comprise just 32 highly decorated army or naval officers and are responsible for ensuring the safety of the monarch on official occasions and ceremonies.Condition: II Questions about the lot?
