Officer, 1745


This illustration is loosely based on the equestrian portrait of Lord Ligonier but with plainer lace. ''In the 17th century and early 18th century the officers wore a uniform that was very different from the men's. But by the middle of the century it was more in line in that at least they were dressed in red. 'The men's coats, for many years were a duller red than the officers and while the officers had gold lace the men had yellow lace. 'In the portrait, Ligonier has a cuirass but this is only for the portrait, as cuirasses were no longer worn at this time. 'The crimson officer's sash is worn over the left shoulder whereas earlier in the century it was worn on the right. 'The black lapels extend all the way from collar to the bottom of the coat. 'The men had the same but their coat tails were folded back to allow freedom of movement when dismounted. 'When the Dragoon Guards were formed they had lapels only to the waist while the Horse regiments continued with the full lapel. Dragoons had no lapels. The cuffs are an elaborate mix of black velvet gauntlet and scarlet slash. 'On his right shoulder is a small aiguillette that hangs loosely.


Regiment | Uniforms


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by Stephen Luscombe