A magnificent helmet of the last commander of the Noble Guard, Pope Paul VI period dating: provenance: State of the Vatican City, Silver-plated metal skull, gilded brass comb with lion's head at the edge, very long black horsehair tail, gilded plate with inscription 'PAULUS VI'; sealskin turban with front decoration depicting papal emblem on silver-plated plate; reinforced velvet chin-straps with gilded brass scales worked with laurel leaves. Complete with beautiful and rare aigrette. Inside, leather sweat-band and beige silk lining. Very rare. The Noble Guard was dissolved by Pope Paul VI in 1970. height 51 cm.