Bandsman 1853


The bandsmen in the early 19th century were often dressed in ornate uniforms to put on a show for the civilian population and attract recruits. The musicians were mostly paid for by the Colonel of the regiment because official recognition of regimental bands was slow in coming. By 1823 the War office allowed one sergeant and 14 musicians. The uniforms were invariably white, and this was regularised with an order in 1830 so that all bands wore white coats. The facings were to conform with the regimental facings, which for he 50th were blue after 1831. By 1853 the uniform looked like this drawing made by Percy Sumner. They had brass epaulettes and an ornamental sword in a brass scabbard. A distinctive feature was the black falling plume instead of a ball tuft.


Regimental Band | Regimental details


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by Stephen Luscombe