Colonel’s Uniform 1890s

The Prince of Wales was Colonel of the 10th Hussars from April 1863 to March 1901. Items of his uniform were displayed in the regimental museum at Winchester where this photo was taken c1985. The dress tunic shows the six rows of gold chain gimp traversing the chest with loops, caps and drops. This tunic does not conform to the regimental distinction of the topmost cap being on the end of the shoulder straps. The gimp follows the edges of the tunic, down the front and along the hem. There is also a thinner line of gimp along the bottom of the collar. The only gold lace on the tunic is along the top of the collar. Officers of field rank, such as the Colonel, had circular swirls of gold braid that filled the space below the lace. The shoulder straps are made of plaited gold chain gimp, lined with blue cloth. The Colonel’s rank badges are sewn on to this, a silver embroidered crown and two stars. There are also small metal badges on the end of the strap which can be seen to be an Imperial Crown and VR (see detail below). The dress pouch-belt is worn on the left shoulder showing the distinctive chain pattern on the black leather belt, and arrow shaped pickers with hanging silver chains attached to the animal-head boss. Another photo on this page shows the back of the tunic.
On the wall behind the tunic are the Prince’s red breeches worn in levée dress. The gold lace down the outside is traced on either side with gold braid. His dress sabretache is next to that, showing Victoria’s cypher and PoW Plume combined with the guelphic crown. There are six battle honours, half hidden, which date it after 1884. A portrait of the Prince (see below) hangs on the wall above the scarlet and gold waistcoat worn in mess dress.

Regimental Details | Uniforms