120 Mameluke Drum Horse, 1st Empire

>This drummer is of African origin. His red head-dress is surrounded by a white turban, and ornamented with feathers. His white tunic and green pelisse are gold ornamented. His musicians white horse carries a schabraque of regimental pattern.

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.