Piper 1854


The artist B Clayton was best known for his prints of the Guards but he produced this fine print in March 1854, based on observation of the regiment before they went out to the Crimea. At some point the uniform of the piper in the 42nd Regiment became radically different from the rest of the men. As can be seen by the figures in the background, the red jackets and dark green kilts contrast with the piper's green jacket, and the kilt and plaid of Royal Stewart tartan. He has dark hose, of green and red check, unlike the other men and the red garters are tied in a flamboyant bow. His sporan appears the same as the men's, but his belts, around his waist and over his right shoulder are of black leather. The shoulder belt is wide and has become ornamental as there is no sword carried. The large feather bonnet is like those of the other soldiers and was a feature of the Black Watch while other Scottish regiments dressed their pipers in glengarry caps. The bagpipes are carefully painted, and the colourful ribbons seem somewhat incongruous for a military musician.


Regimental Details | Pipers and Musicians


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by Stephen Luscombe