Captain's Tunic c1860


The coats and tunics of Guards officers had changed many times up to this period but from this point there would be no more change for 150 years. Minor alterations would take place. The shoulders, at this time did not have shoulder straps but a single scarlet silk cord and small gilt button on the left side, to retain the crimson sash. This lasted until 1868 when it was replaced by slim gold cords on each shoulder.

The collar is of blue cloth with gold embroidery at the front and a silver and coloured embroidered garter star. A line of gold lace followed round the top of the collar for all officers, and another line along the bottom of the collar for officers above the rank of Brevet-major. So ensigns (crown) and lieutenants (crown and star) would have one line of lace. Lieutenants who are brevet-majors (star), Captains (crown) and field officers (crown and star) would have two lines of lace. This tunic has two lines of lace and a crown which makes it a captain's tunic. For his rank, there is also two lines of gold lace along the top of his blue cuff.

The pocket flap at the back of the skirt is red with four gilt buttons and gold lace loops, in pairs, surrounded by a line of lace and white piping. This piping also follows the top edge of the collar, the front edge of the tunic, along the top of the cuff, round the cuff flap and on the edges of the vent at the back of the skirt. The ten buttons down the front of the tunic are in pairs but the pairing is not very obvious. The button at the bottom is flat so that the waistbelt can lie properly.


Uniforms | Regimental Details


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by Stephen Luscombe