Mounted Officer 1883

From 1856 the officers’ horse appointments were as can be seen in this 1883 Simkin watercolour. The blue shabraque has a double gold lace edge and embroidery that includes a Guelphic crown, Prince of Wales Plume, regimental title enclosing a number 10, and capital H. On the front parts of the saddle cloth the Queen’s cypher and Guelphic crown. The saddle is covered with a leopardskin edged with a gold fringe and blue cloth scalloping. The brown leather bridle has a black over over white throat plume. The subaltern has the pre-1888 black fur busby 7.75 inches high at the front and 9 inches at the back, the shape slightly tapering towards the top. The egret plume, according to the 1883 Dress Regulations, was 9 inches high with a black vulture feather base. The gold cap-lines can be seen to come from under the scarlet busby bag to the back of the neck, looping round and finishing as acorn ends at the throat. He has shoulder straps of plaited gold chain gimp lined with blue cloth. As from 1881 badge of rank were displayed on these gold shoulder straps instead of the collar.

Regimental Details | Uniforms