These photos, taken at a Spink auction in 1999, show the special pattern zig-zag lace that was worn by the Cameron Highlanders for many years. Close inspection also shows the regimental gilt buttons which have Queen Victoria’s V R either side of the oval strap that has 79 in the centre. The numerals were replaced by a crowned thistle in 1873 so this tunic could date before that, but regimental pride in their old number persisted long after it was officially removed from the title.
The ranks of major, lieutenant-colonel and colonel were emphasised by the gold lace around the edges of the double Inverness skirts. Captains and subalterns did not have skirt lace. The back view shows two small flaps and two buttons at the waist. The gold lace is further edged with white piping which was common to all ranks. The cuff was edged with gold lace for all officers including the rank of second lieutenant which was re-instituted on 1 Jan 1887. Captains had gold braid along the inside of the lace, majors (and above) had an extra line of gold lace on the top of the cuff; lieutenant-colonels had the same but with gold braid following the edge of the lace, as seen here, and full colonels had two lines of braid.
