French Guard Soldier atop a Bell Porcelain Limoges Box

A French guard in a tall bearskin hat stands at attention atop a porcelain bell in this ceremonial piece. It is a hand-painted Limoges box made in Limoges, France, with all the pageantry of a parade ground.

Standing Watch

Tall bearskin hats have crowned ceremonial guards in Europe for generations, and they remain one of the most recognizable sights of military pageantry. Here the guard keeps his post on a bell, giving the piece a festive, almost holiday air. It feels like a toy soldier from an old Christmas morning.

Parade Ground Pairings

• Hand-painted porcelain from Limoges, France
• Fits a military, soldier or bell collection
• Pairs with the white French guard helmet and nutcracker pieces

For the Regiment

It suits a veteran, a military history buff, or a collector of toy soldiers. Because of its bell shape and holiday feel, it also works on a Christmas mantel beside nutcrackers and drums. Set it on a study bookshelf, in a cabinet with medals, or on a holiday sideboard. Anyone who has watched a changing of the guard ceremony in Europe will recognize the proud stance at once.