Digital Color Signed Photograph “PONTIFICAL SWISS GUARD at DUTY POST” by Martin

Description: Digital Color Signed Photograph “PONTIFICAL SWISS GUARD at DUTY POST”. Original by Martin. Ready to Frame. Brand New Photograph. Image Size 9-1/2" X 5-1/2" (OVERALL 8-1/2”X11”). Suitable for framing with Vivid Color and Portrait Format. Printed on sturdy, Glossy Photo Paper. The Pontifical Swiss Guard, also known as the Papal Swiss Guard or simply Swiss Guard, is an armed force and honor guard unit maintained by the Holy See that protects the Pope and the Apostolic Palace within the territory of the Vatican City State. Established in 1506 under Pope Julius II, it is among the oldest military units in continuous operation and is sometimes called "the world's smallest army". The Swiss Guard is popularly recognized by its Renaissance-era dress uniform, consisting of a tunic striped in red, dark blue, and yellow, high plumed helmet, and traditional weapons such as the halberd. However, guardsmen perform their protective duties in functional attire and with modern firearms; since the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981, the Guard has placed greater emphasis on its nonceremonial roles and has seen enhanced training in unarmed combat, small arms, and counterterrorism tactics. The Swiss Guard is considered an elite military unit and highly selective its recruitment: candidates must be unmarried Swiss Catholic males between 19 and 30 years of age, and at least 5 feet 8.5 inches (1.74 meters), who have completed basic training with the Swiss Armed Forces and hold a professional diploma or high school degree. As of 2024 there were 135 members of the guards. THANK YOU & ENJOY!

Price: 14.95 USD

Location: Utica, Michigan

End Time: 2025-01-16T20:06:18.000Z

Shipping Cost: 4.95 USD