492 - RARE SABER FROM THE IMPERIAL MAMLUK GUARD, MODEL 1802

RARE SABER FROM THE IMPERIAL MAMLUK GUARD, MODEL 1802 Sabers with a strongly curved hilt made of fluted wood covered in black sheepskin and filigree metal, secured by a small chain, the metal crossguard featuring two straight prongs ending in a knob, with two large diamond-shaped lugs at the center of the guard; the curved blade is made of damascened steel decorated with geometric motifs. France, First Empire period. L. 73 cm (blade). L. 87.5 cm (total). History A company of Mamelukes was established by decree on October 13, 1801, and attached to the Mounted Hunters of the Consuls’ Guard. Formed from a small number of Mamluks who had arrived in France following Bonaparte’s Egyptian campaign, they retained their Oriental-style uniforms and weapons—notably the saber—and were attached to the Mounted Hunters of the Guard. Only officers had their sabers fitted with filigree guards; ours is a fine example of this. Usually produced by the Klingenthal factory, ours—which is unsigned—appears as a drawing in a specialized publication.