Trumpeter c1897

The dating of this illustration from a cigarette card is not exact and there are a few puzzling features. The review order uniform is correct as far as the red plumed helmet and tunic are concerned although the green velvet collar and cuffs do not show up too clearly. He has yellow cord aiguillettes on his left shoulder which are partially concealed by his right arm. But on his right shoulder is a plaited yellow cord shoulder strap which is not in evidence in photos of the period, except for senior NCOs (see Band 1912). His shoulder straps should be of the same velvet cloth as his facings, green, with yellow edges. Another unusual item is the sword hooked up on his belt. He is in mounted order with boots and breeches and would have a sword when mounted. From 1891 the sword for cavalrymen was attached to the saddle instead of the man so if this image is pre-1891 it might make sense. The trumpet is being sounded while the bugle hangs by his side. They have cords that are of the royal colours, blue, red and yellow. Such cords were used by regiments titled King's or Queen's but it is not clear if the title of Princess Charlotte of Wales's classed the 5th DG as Royal. A monochrome photo of 1908 shows dark cords and tassels which could be green, and a watercolour by Simkin depicts a trumpeter in full dress in 1914 with green cords and tassels.

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