Drumhorse and Bandsmen c1850

The artist Ebsworth recorded some useful details with this sketch of bandsmen of the 7th DG. He made drawings of the regiment around the time that they changed from the coatee to the tunic, in 1855, and we can see from this picture that the coatee, in it's latter stages had shorter tails than in the 1830s and early 40s. On the back and sleeves there is black piping following the seams, and the black velvet turnbacks are edged in yellow lace. On the shoulders are brass scales which were worn by other ranks throughout the heavy cavalry, as ornamental and as protection. With the change to tunics only the bandsmen and drummers of the 7th DG retained these shoulder scales. The helmets are the 1847 brass type with a white horsehair falling plume to distinguish them from the rest of the regiment who wore black plumes.
They all have white leather pouch-belts and black leather pouches which have a brass badge depicting the coronet and PRDG cypher. The white sword belt has a brass rectangular clasp also decorated with this badge. It supports a special band sword which is curved with a brass hilt and carried in a steel scabbard. The NCOs have black sabretaches hung from two white slings. The drummer has no sword so his slings are joined together. The banner covering the drums is of black velvet with the royal arms topped by a coronet, not a crown. The only inscription at this stage was DIEU ET MON DROIT. The regimental title was added later. The drumhorse also has a blue shabraque, embroidered in gold and colours with a gold lace edge.

Regimental Band | Regimental details