[IMPERIAL MARINES SHAKO]. Complete Shako of the Imperial Marines. [France, ca. 1810]. An extremely rare shako. Leather with all trim, decorations, plume (some restoration to plume) and the original plaque. Approximately 9 ½ in diameter at top and 7 ¼” in diameter at the opening for the head. Approximately 9” high (not including plume). Minor rubbing. Fine. The Marines were a small, yet elite branch of the Garde Imperiale and were personally formed by Napoleon in 1803 for the express purpose to serve in the forthcoming invasion of England, which never came to be. They were later sent to serve in the Peninsular War. Being small in number at approximately 800 in that campaign, the entire unit was either killed or captured during the Battle of Bailen in Southern Spain. At that battle, their General (Dupont) suddenly capitulated for reasons unknown. Never more than 1,200 strong in total during the Emperor's reign, the last of the Marines served at the Battle of Waterloo where there were only 200 of them. As such, their uniforms and equipment survive in very small numbers today. This particular shako is a rarity, indeed, virtually unique. It is an excellent example. Original and complete and was actually issued and in use during the Napoleonic Wars.