Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-of-Arms

1847 Albert pattern helmet of gilt metal with scroll and leaf ornaments centered on the quartered Royal Arms in gilt metal within the Garter, mounted on a twenty-four point silver cut star, surmounted by complete with gilt chin scales, with lion head bosses, and eighteen inch long plume of white swan feathers.
Formed as the Troop of Gentlemen in 1509 by King Henry VIII to act as a mounted escort, armed with spear and lance to protect the sovereign, in battle or elsewhere. They were present at the Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520. In 1526, they became a dismounted bodyguard armed with battleaxes. They last saw service in battle during the English Civil War (during which a Gentleman Matthews saved the Prince of Wales at the Battle of Edgehill (1642) from one of the Earl of Essex's troopers). They were always intended as a primarily ceremonial unit, but were on regular duty until the 19th century.
In modern times the Honourable Corps consists of five Officers and twenty-seven Gentlemen, all of whom, with the exception of the Captain, are retired Officers of the Army or the Royal Marines and are members of the Royal Household. The Officers are promoted from amongst the Gentlemen and receive Sticks of Office from the hand of the Sovereign on appointment.  Their normal duties include attendance at all State Occasions and Services of the Great Orders of Chivalry.  The Corps has its headquarter in St James' Palace. This is the immediate charge of the 'Axe-Keeper and Butler' whose primary duty is to look after the battleaxes which are still carried by the Gentlemen on duty.