HISTORICAL MINIATURES BY GEORGE GRASSE

HISTOREX NCO

Image credit is Historex NCO Color Card 725 - 726

The constabulary force in France during the Ancien Regime was known as the Marechaussee and was renamed the Gendarmerie Nationale at the beginning of the French Revolutionary period, 22 December 1790.  The Gendarmerie Nationale was renamed when the Republique de France became an Imperial sovereignty under Emperor Napoleon 1^er in 1804. 

These units were stationed all over France and continued to serve throughout France as the Imperial constabulary but did not otherwise replace local police forces.  The Gendarmes d'Elite of the Imperial Guard were members of the Gendarmerie Imperiale at one time and served with the Imperial Headquarters in the field.  Their kits are listed in the Garde Cavalerie section.

One special "corps" from the Gendarmerie Imperiale was formed for service exclusively in Spain.  It was unofficially termed "the little Gendarmerie" (petit Gendarmerie d'Espagne) specially armed with the lance and officially called "Gendarmes-Lanciers".  Regular Gendarmes Imperial also served in Spain.

  The Gendarmerie Imperiale included foot and mounted troops.

CONVERSION KITS - each includes extra arms 

ITEM

725104

ITEM

725204

Image credit is from Historex NCO HXH015 Kit Box Cover

This kit represents an artillerists of the Coast Artillery which numbered as many as 10,000 troops scattered along coastlines controlled by France and were incorporated from the French Naval command to the Army's corps of artillery by Napoleon in 1800.   The earlier 1803 - 1807 uniform is shown above left (bicorne) and the later 1808 - 1812 uniform is shown right (shako).

CONVERSION KITS - each includes extra arms to make a variety of canonnier uniforms for an officer, NCO, or soldier. 

ITEM

HXH015