Blessed Pius IX: A Swiss Guard Sword From His Pontificate

Popes/Saints/Individuals: Blessed Pius IX

Era: 1846-1878

The blade has his coat of arms and the handle is made in the image of a lion’s head reminiscent of the two lions in the pope’s coat of arms. The sword also has a sheath and both are in perfect condition.

After 1870, when the Papal States were suppressed, the Swiss guard continued to use swords for ceremonial purposes but no longer as weapons.

Father Kunst has had numerous opportunities to visit the Swiss Guard armory and has seen only four of these swords in their collection