Bandmaster 1857

The uniform worn by this musician conforms to the hussar rank-and-file pattern apart from the fact that his braid and cords are gold instead of yellow. Photographs of this period always show yellow as black, but here the cording and braid show as pale. According to the Linaker/Dine book of NCO arm badges, the bandmaster after 1851 was 2nd Class Staff but wearing 1st Class Staff uniform like the QMS and Farrier Major. This would be gold cord and braid. He had no badge on his right arm, however.
He has a white leather pouch-belt and a white over black horsehair plume on his busby. His sword is interesting as it does not conform to either the OR or the officers’ pattern. It is a slim bladed weapon and has a hilt reminiscent of dress swords of the late 18th century. The sword knot is not the rank-and-file white leather type, but what looks like a gold cord knot, strangely dark in appearance. The sword slings are unfortunately hidden from view, as is the sabretache which all ranks carried at that time. His trousers are the leathered and booted kind worn in the cavalry during the 1850s and 60s. He holds a keyed bugle in his right hand. On his left breast is a single medal for the Crimean War with a clasp for SEBASTOPOL.

Regimental Details | Drumhorses and Trumpeters