Swiss Guards
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The old tin figures in the picture above show Swiss Guards. From the left:

• A corporal armed with a short pike, the symbol of his rank.
• A guardman with the Hellebarde. This arm, a combination of axe, fang and pike, was especially effective in street fighting with mounted enemies.
• A private with the a 5 feed sword, the so said Bidenhaender (Two handed sword). In combat against foodmen the ultimate weapon.
• A drummer and at the right end a piper. In old times the sound of Swiss drums and pipes spread fair to their enemies.
• A platoon leader. He is only armed with a sword. In the left hand he holds a commander's mace. Behind the tin figures, you see the ivory head of such a commander's mace, with the Werlen coat of arms.

Full metall jacket		Werlen coat of arms

Since 1506 the Vatican's Swiss Guard protect the Holy Father and ensure security
at the Apostolic Palace.

Soon on this screen: A short history of the Swissguard and their origin.

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