Uniform

An oriental uniform was worn which varied in colour, and only a rough guide can be given here. A waistcoat was worn over a short jacket. Although the waistcoat was usually red, both items are shown in various shades of green, blue, red, white and yellow, with braid (usually black) added to edges and seams. A sash was worn around the waist and, more often than not, this was blue.

Trooper, Mamelukes, 1808-13

The distinctive trousers worn with short boots were red or crimson, and white linen trousers of the same style could be worn in summer. The only real distinction that officers had was a profusion of gold lace trim; NCOs, however, did wear bars of rank in gold above the cuff. Trumpeters wore just as varied a uniform, although a crimson jacket and sky blue waistcoat with black braid is one example that fits in with other Guard trumpeters.

In 1813 a 'French' uniform was issued but does not seem to have been taken into use to any great extent. It consisted of a blue coat and Hungarian breeches with crimson piping and double breasted waistcoat; a blue pelisse for officers and NCOs; and the above in skyblue for trumpeters.

Headdress

Head-dress was similar to a bell-topped shako without a peak, with a turban around the base. Although this was specified as green, it was usually red or crimson. The turban was invariably white. A brass crescent was often worn, and sometimes stars and cockades, and short black plumes. A bicom was worn with the coat and breeches.

Equipment

A scimitar, dagger, mace or axe, brace of pistols and a blunderbuss was carried; the latter eventually replaced by a carbine. The pouchbelt could be black, green, red or white leather. The scimitar was carried on a coloured cord over the shoulder. Trumpets were brass with crimson cords. Cloaks and greatcoat were offwhite with crimson lining. The valise and pointed shabraque was generally green with crimson trim and fringe.

Imperial Guard Cavalry

Grenadiers a Cheval
Chasseurs a Cheval
Mamelukes
Gendarmes d'Elite
Dragons de l'Imperatrice
Gendarmes d'Ordonnance
Chevau-Leger Lanciers
Lanciers de Berg and Tartares Lithuaniens
Gardes d'Honneur
Eclaireurs