Officer’s Charger 1811

This painting of an officer’s charger of the 10th Hussars is unusual in that the officer himself is hidden from view. It would be more usual for the bridle to be held by a private soldier but we can tell that he is an officer because of the embroidered sabretache and the grey fur busby. His cuff shows yellow facings, dating this prior to March 1811 when the facings were changed to red. The shabraque is red with a silver lace edge and elaborate embroidery in all four corners. The guelphic crown appears to be in gold while the rest of the pattern is in silver. A scroll beneath the reverse GP cypher is inscribed PRO GLORIA ET PATRIA. On top of the saddle is a leopard skin with a silver fringe and red scalloped edge.The bridle is decorated with cowrie shells, a distinctive feature that continued for many years in the regiment. A throat ornament of a crescent moon hangs behind the horse’s head. The horse furniture in this painting is almost identical to that of the equestrian portrait of Nicholas Brown. Of special note is the criss-cross device hanging from the top of the horse’s neck and the long fringes.

Regimental Details | Uniforms