Private’s Tunic 1871

In 1868 the infantry tunic was changed from the slashed cuff style that had lasted since 1855, to the pointed cuff style. At first the cuffs were green cloth edged in white with a white lace on the inside. This was changed again in 1871 when the white lace was dispensed with and a trefoil pattern added to the point of the lace. The back skirts changed, in 1868, from the false pocket style (which is still worn by the Brigade of Guards along with slashed cuffs) to simple vertical white piping with brass buttons at the waist. There were hooks at waist level to support the belt. Up until 1872 there was a difference between the scarlet colour of the tunics worn by officers and senior NCOs, and the plain red worn by corporals and privates. After 1872 all ranks were ordered to wear scarlet. The green collar was low and rounded at the front, with white piping along the lower edge. Some regiments wore crown badges on the collar, and in this schematic illustration by Brian Fosten, the artist has included the badges, presumably based on evidence. These were worn from around 1870 but within a few years they were replaced by regimental pattern badges. The shoulder straps were red with white piped edges and a white numeral. The brass buttons were of universal pattern, bearing the royal arms.

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