Four Swords Lying On Cloth Background

(Original Caption) Portrait of four royal British swords (top to bottom): the Sword of State, a long weapon with gold hilt and 32 inch blade, which is encased in a crimson velvet-covered scabbard and carried before the Sovereign at the opening of Parliament and in Abbey processions; and three replicas of swords given to Henry VIII by the Pope at the time of their quarrel over Henry's divorce. The Pope also gave Henry the title "Defender of the Faith," which he kept along with the swords.