GUIDON OF THE GENDARMERIE OF FRANCE OF ORLEANS OR OF THE CHEVAU-LÉGERS OF ORLÉANS, FORMER MONARCHY, REIGN OF LOUIS XV CIRCA 1725 - 1775.

GUIDON OF THE FRANCE GENDARMERIE OF ORLEANS OR OF THE CHEVAU-LÉGERS OF ORLÉANS, Former Monarchy, reign of LOUIS XV around 1725 - 1775.

In red taffeta silk very richly embroidered with foliage and corollas and the monogram “LP” under ducal crown (17 cm high) corresponding to the number of Louis Philippe 1st (May 12, 1725 - November 18, 1785); this monogram is placed at the two corners of the central cartouche on the side of the shaft and in the center of the right border of the same cartouche. All of these embroideries are in gold and silver threads. The royal crowns have additions of red and green silk threads.
In the center, a cartridge embroidered in natural silk threads (H 41.3 cm, width 43 cm) representing a bomb bursting above a tree, throwing fire. Above, silver banner with motto embroidered in black silk “ALTER POST FULMINA TERROR” (after lightning it inspires a second fear). A cloud is in the background of the banner.
Handlebar entirely bordered with a fringe in mixed gold and silver metallic threads (H of fringes with braid 2.3 cm, H of fringes alone 1.6 cm).
Dimensions:
H: 1.41 m
Width at the shaft: 1.07 m

France.
Reign of Louis XV.
Perfect state of conservation, exceptional for an emblem from the mid-18th century, one of the most beautiful examples.

ORIGIN :
Former Charles Marchal collection (Paris - 1976).
The front sight was examined and identified in January 1976 by Colonel Mac Carthy, at the time curator of the Army Museum at the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, and Mr. Pierre Charrié, specialist on the subject and author of reference works dedicated to emblems and flags.
It was exhibited on Mr. MARCHAL's stand during the “Antique dealers in Paris” exhibition at the George V Hotel, in the years 1976/1978.
Former Jean Joubert collection (Paris - 1978-2014).
Bertrand Malvaux Collection (2014-2024).

HISTORY:
The 10th Gendarmerie company of France (Gendarmes d'Orléans) was created in 1647 for Mr. Brother of the King. First under the title of Anjou, it became Orléans in 1660 on the death of Gaston, brother of King Louis XIII. The company passes to the future regent Philippe. There was another company of Gendarmes d'Orléans raised in 1643 by Gaston which disappeared on the death of this prince.
This company only ever went to the army when HRH went there and it never left his person until 1677. In addition to the salaries paid by the King to the lieutenant captain, the Duke of Orléans gave each year to each of them 3,000 pounds, to the first two sergeants each 200 pounds, to the last two sergeants each 100 pounds, to each brigadier and sub-brigadier each 50 pounds. These bonuses were abolished after the death of the regent. This also concerned the Compagnie des Chevau-Légers d'Orléans.