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Trumpet of the Cent-Gardes Squadron

Sunday, June 6th 2021

of Emperor Napoléon III (1852-1870)

An elite corps in the tradition of the personal ceremonial guard of sovereigns since 1192.

Made up exclusively of tall, experienced horsemen, the Cent-Gardes squadron escorted the Emperor on horseback during his public appearances and protected him and his family in their imperial palaces and during their travels.

Their high stature and vivid uniforms gave them a great prestige: "Parisians who lived during the Second Empire will not forget the decorative effect produced by the Cent-Gardes, either when they escorted the Emperor on their magnificent black or seal-brown horses or when, on evenings of great balls at the Tuileries, they appeared motionless, similar to statues with their helmet and their cuirass, on each step of the Great staircase". Imbert de Saint Aignan, 1898 (p. 44).
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