117 Mamelukes, 1st Empire

Set 117 comprises three mounted Mameluke cavalry figures. Uniformed in their distinctive Middle Eastern costume, they were armed with scimitar, dagger, and pair of pistols tucked into their waist sash. Horse harness and saddle are of Arab style.

During Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign, the Mamelukes allied themselves to the French army. They returned to France with the army and Napoleon, as a reward for their faithfulness created a Mameluke squadron to form part of his Imperial Guard.

Their oriental costume of Syrian and Turkish Mameluke pattern was retained after passing into French service, and was distinguished by the head-dress surrounded by a turban, a sleeved chemise, an arab sash, charoual-style trousers, and the Mameluke sabre. They participated in campaigns of the Empire from 1805 to 1814 and distinguished themselves as Austerlitz, Elau and in Spain.