QMS Palin was probably photographed by David Octavius Hill around the same time as the other photo portraits of men of the 79th. This long-serving member of the regiment is a very senior NCO with the status of 1st Class Staff. His officer-style uniform has gold (?) lace on the collar and probably the cuff flaps which cannot be seen here. It is difficult to see the detail of his shoulder wings but these are most likely to be edged in white like the rank-and-file. He has four silver stripes on each upper arm, with an embroidered crown above. From 1854 the rank of QMS was denoted by four chevrons on the forearm, point upwards. His status permits him to have a broadsword which is slung from a shoulder belt. His glengarry undress cap has a regimental badge on a black silk patch on the left side. He has a crimson silk sash on his left shoulder, and he wears this uniform with trews.
