Officers and Private, c1889

The artist, Norie, had a good knowledge of uniforms of his period. This was painted before 1890 in which year the Rifle regiments changed from the helmet to the black fur busby. The scene is unusual in that it shows the caped greatcoat as worn by the private. This is usually rolled up and carried strapped to the back of the waist. The two officers are in their full dress uniforms, obviously more optimistic about the weather. The officer with his back to us shows how the black braid decorates the seams of the jacket. He has a pill-box forage cap which is rifle green with black silk lace around it. He has no pouch-belt, and neither officer wears gaiters as one would expect for a field day, as this seems to be.

Uniforms | Regimental Details