Private 1807

The heavy cavalry uniform at the end of the 18th century had established the waist-length scarlet jacket that buttoned to the waist. The ranks below sergeant had white button loops extending across the chest, and forming three chevrons on the lower sleeve. The white fringed shoulder straps were stiffened with metal strips to protect the shoulders. The black bearskin cap by this time had a peak on the front, a white grenadier plume on the left side, and white cords around the middle ending in tassels that hung on the right side. There was still no means of securing the cap to prevent it falling off.This print by Hamilton Smith, dated 1807 shows the pouch-belt with its extra strap and spring clip to attach to the carbine. This type of belt was worn by the cavalry throughout the 19th century. The private is in review order, with buckskin breeches and knee boots. The item strapped to the back of his saddle is his cloak, rolled to show red on the outside whereas c1790 they were rolled to show white on the outside. It is odd to see that at this stage of the new century the man's hair appears to be powdered. An order dated 19 July 1795 says that all troops must abstain from wearing powder in their hair till further orders. Certainly, after the uniform changes of 1812 the practice of powdering ceased altogether.

Regimental Details | Uniforms