The uniform for the Gentleman-at-Arms, requires service men to wear an elaborate a gilt metal helmet with a swan feather plume. Her Majesty's Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms was instituted 500 years ago by King Henry VIII in 1509 and these servicemen hold one of the highest titles in the army. These gentlemen, classed as the 'nearest guard' or personal guard to the Sovereign are also the only servicemen able to walk next to the Queen.
This wonderful Victorian helmet from Leons Militaria, is in excellent condition and exceptionally rare. It is gilt metal with intricate decoration mounted on silver cut star. The beautiful plume is made from long white swan feathers that hang to the edge of the helmet. These feathers are still as bright as they when they were worn on duty. Similar pieces can only be found amongst the Regalia within the vaults of tailors along Saville Row.
Helmets for the Gentleman at Arms are still manufactured today and although are made from gilt metal, they are much thinner and unfortunately lack the unique quality of their Victorian counterparts.
Leons Militaria unit 136-139/150 found in Grays Downstairs has a vast selection of fascinating and unusual objects and is well worth a visit.
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