Gendarmerie Imperiale 1st Empire - Another outstanding set of figures from the world-renowned maker Imperial

NOS - Never been on display - Only taken out of the box today to take the TM photos.

Established in 1801 by Napoleon as part of the Consular Guard and later becoming the Imperial Guard in 1804, the Gendarmes d'élite de la Garde impériale was a unique gendarmerie unit with a range of duties. During peacetime, their primary responsibility was safeguarding official residences, palaces, and influential political figures. In times of war, they were tasked with protecting the Imperial headquarters, escorting prisoners, occasionally enforcing the law, and maintaining order in conquered cities. The unit was disbanded in 1815 during the Second Restoration and renamed Gendarmes des chasses du roi during the First Bourbon Restoration.

A squadron of Gendarmes d'élite was raised in 1801 and integrated into the Consular Guard. In 1804, the unit comprised two cavalry squadrons and two companies of infantry, which were now part of the Imperial Guard. At full strength, they were 632 men, but the infantry companies were disbanded in 1806, and only 456 cavalrymen remained in the unit. The men were required to be at least 1.76 meters (5 ft 9 in) tall to enter the unit.

Notably, the Gendarmes d'élite were involved in the execution of the Duke of Enghien in 1804 and escorted Napoleon during his coronation in the same year. The unit earned the nickname "The Immortals" due to its role as military police, which resulted in fewer casualties than other units. However, when engaged in combat, they fought bravely and earned several battle honours.

The item will be dispatched in an oversized box filled with ample packing material to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.