Mamelukes where masters of Egypt when Napoleon Bonaparte arrived there in 1798 After fighting the French with valor , some joined up with Bonaparte. The Mamelucke Corps took part in all of the Empires Campaigns, while their numbers decreased, the French where incorporated in the ranks. Some like the famous Roustam was Napoleon's personal aide and body guard from 1798 till the abdication. Kirmann ( an Alsacian) and his Mamelukes charged the Russians , seizing 18 cannons , General Sebastiani told the Emperor it was the most brilliant cavalry charge he has ever seen! Mamelukes where superb horseman, fierce fighters and quite colorful

Article 3 the decree from 5 Germinal year X (15 April 1802). The clothing and the arming of the Mamelouks Body will be those that they possessed in Egypt. Napoleon wanted them to wear the clothing from their Nation.

This gives the painter a variety of choices .

Painting instructions:

Cahouhk ( headgear): Red, white Turban, black plume , brass star and crescent.
Yaleck ( sleeved vest/shirt) :various colors, collar the same color, Gold lace,
Firmine ( vest ) : Various Colors, generally embroidered , Gold lace
Sash : plain, or striped, any color
Charoual: ( loose Arab pants): Red, white, Beige
Boots: Red, Green, Black

Equipement:

White pouchbelt, brass fittings, black pouch brass Eagle. Oriental pattern sabre, brass hilt, black scabbard with brass furniture. The Scabbard was always carried on red cords. The Two waisbelt pistols have wooden butts, bound with brass, carried in a special pattern of holster ( Kobourg) of red leather, brass star and crescent. Dagger was usually in a black scabbard.

Bibliography:

Bucquoy ( Cdt) La Guarde Imperiale Savant Jean: Les Mamelouks de Napoleon , Calman Levy 1949 Musee de L'Emperi: Dossiers # G20- G22 Tradition # 129.

French Imperial Guard Mameluke
1806-1810