A Swiss Guard Uniform dating: circa 1870 - 1900 provenance: Papal States, Red, blue and yellow uniform (the traditional colours of the Corps), edged and trimmed with the stripes of Leo XIII 's heraldic arms (1878-1903). Marked with date '1892' and number '48' inside. Slightly damaged by moths outside, signs of use and time inside especially in the lower part. The central part was probably restored at the time of Leo XIII, the uniform itself seems older and was 'converted' by the halberdier with the arms of the new Pope Leo XIII. The Pontifical Swiss Guard had faithfully served the Pope since 22th January 1506. Following the Italian troops' conquest of Rome in 1870, the Swiss Guards, who had previously participated in numerous battles, were reassigned exclusively to the personal defense of the Pope within his quarters. In 1914, Pope Pius X established that this particular corps would consist of 100 soldiers along with 6 officers, including the commanding officer holding the rank of colonel. During the Second World War, Pope Pius XII temporarily increased the size of the Swiss Guard corps to over 300 personnel. length 65 cm.