| 163 The „Gardes du Corps du Roi“ served as the French King‘s bodyguard. The unit only admitted members of the nobility and citizens from very well-to-do families. There were only four companies, which were stationed in Versailles. The Gardes du Corps du Roi were disbanded in 1791. As a standard, the companies carried a flag with the „soleil rayonnant“. The motto „Nec pluribus impar“ was adopted by the Sun King, adding it to his coat of arms; however, it was also displayed on the field insignia of his army. After the Treaty of Fontainebleau and the abdication and banishment of Emperor Napoleon, the grandson of Louis XV and brother of Louis XVI returned to France as King, following his exile in England. In 1814, the Gardes du Corps du Roi were also re-established. In 1815, after the landing of Napoleon, the King fled Paris but returned after Napoleon‘s defeat at Waterloo. 326631 II - III € 8.500 A helmet M 1814 of the Gardes du Corps du Roi from the reign of Louis XVIII High skull made of coarse, black lacquered leather, the two halves stitched together at the crown, with opulent mounts of silver-plated sheet copper. On the front, the large star with the „visage du soleil rayonnant“ (Apollo mask within rays of sunlight) at the centre, enclosed in the crowned, intertwined monogram „L“ for Louis XVIII, below which the banner „Nec pluribus impar“ (literally: „Not unequal to many“). Large, multi-part chinscales (black velvet underlay) on ray-shaped rosettes with an Apollo mask. High comb in fine relief (feather and leaf motifs) with a black horsehair crest. Elegantly curved protective bars arranged in a floral pattern on the side panels of the skull, the socket on the left with a high white plume inserted into it. The inside with a broad sweatband in black leather (imperfections), with remnants of the blackened silk lining still attached. Size approximately 52. Damaged in places, signs of age. Remarkable helmet worn by an elite unit of the French King. Of enormous historical significance.
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