Hussar c1875

The hussar-style uniform with white cord braiding across the chest was worn from 1867. It is probable that the previous tunics were adapted by having the cord sewn on to them. This fine early photo shows the details of the blue uniform well, although the collar is covered by the man's beard. Beards were allowed in the army for a period of around 20 years following the Crimean War. This man looks old enough to have served as a regular in that campaign but does not have a medal to confirm it. The tunic has white collar and cuffs as before, with an Austrian knot on the cuffs and a trefoil on each side of the collar. The six rows of white cord across the chest follow the standard hussar pattern but at this stage there were no caps on the drop loops. There are two other photos of men of the Warwickshire Yeomanry standing in a similar way, holding the bridle in one hand and the Westley Richards carbine in the other. These other men are both corporals and it is reasonable to assume that this man is also a corporal although the two silver stripes were only worn on the right arm. His black fur busby, worn by the regiment since 1863, has a white bag, coiled boss on the front, white horsehair plume and white cap-lines which attach around his neck so that olivet ends hang down in front. It is the early tall version which was retained by the regiment for longer than those worn by regular hussars. The blue trousers have a double white stripe and do not have leathered bottoms. However, one of the other photographed corporals does have leathered baggy trousers. The saddle is covered by a black sheepskin that also covers the pistol holsters at the front and the cloak valise at the back, but the part of the sheepskin that the hussar sits on is devoid of wool.