Officer, 1748

This is a vary valuable portrait as far as the study of cavalry uniform is concerned because little is known about officer's uniform at this time. The portrait is slightly odd in that the man's head is too large for his body giving him a dwarfish apearance. The dark green velvet facings can be seen on the slashed cuffs, also the collar tabs and the lapels that extend to the hem of the coat, a distinction of the four remaining regiments of Horse. On his right shoulder is the earliest example of an aiguilette which at this stage is unplaited and not long enough to loop up to his chest. This aiguilette appears to be made of lace rather than cord. Up until this time the officers wore silver lace and buttons, but here they are gold. His sash hangs from his left shoulder and his sword hangs from a waistbelt which is richly embroidered with gold. At this time, the men's waistcoat and breeches were green like the facings but this officer has a buff and gold waistcoat, at least on the lower part, and red breeches.

Regiment | Uniforms