Mounted Officer 1884

Simkin painted two watercolours of a mounted officer of the 10th in review order within the space of a few months, showing the difference in the old and new horse furniture. Both paintings are in the Anne S K Brown collection, and both dated 1883, although this one is dated October 1883. However, the regimental history says that it was not until 23 May 1884 that Queen Victoria approved scarlet pantaloons for levées, and also ‘approved of the officers wearing in full dress, in review order only, a scarlet shabracque and shell bridle, breastplate, and crupper.’ This was a revival of some of the more distinctive aspects of the traditional horse furniture worn on officers’ chargers since the 10th became hussars c1807. The shabraque was of red cloth but with a similar pattern of embroidery as previously, apart from the Roman numeral X instead of 10. The bridle was highly decorated with cowrie shells and had a circular device instead of a throat plume. The former bridle with black and white horsehair was still worn for less formal occasions.
The busby can be seen from the right side in this painting so that we can see the scarlet busby bag hanging correctly one inch from the bottom of the fur busby. The single rank star on his gold shoulder strap indicates that he is a lieutenant. He has medals, one of which has a green and crimson ribbon, the medal for service in the Afghan War of 1878-80.

Regimental Details | Uniforms