Lieutenant-Colonel's Mess Jacket 1896-1910

Up until c1896 the officers had worn a plainer style of mess jacket which was now relegated to stable dress only. The more elaborately braided type seen here had a beautiful white waistcoat with silver lace edges and decorated lower corners; it was worn by all ranks of officer. The field officers had cuffs with a silver gimp loop decorated with silver braid figuring above, and wavy pattern lace below. The collar which was edged in the same pattern lace had braid figuring all around. It fastened with a slim braid loop. The silver gimp plaited shoulder cords had gold rank badges sewn on. Closely placed silver ball buttons decorated the left edge of the jacket and waistcoat.