Officer, 1832

One of a series showing costume of officers of the British army, this print depicts an officer of heavy cavalry in dismounted dress uniform. The only difference between this and mounted full dress is in the head-dress , which when mounted was a brass helmet with a great bearskin crest over the top as worn by the Life Guards in the background of the picture. Notable is the handsome bullion embroidery of the pattern on the cocked hat, which was worn at levees and balls and occasions of ceremony. The sabretache, the back of which is just visible behind the left knee, had a gold-laced and heavily embroidered front.
The costume, albeit somewhat close-fitting, is rather elegant. It was worn until the Crimean War, and may be seen in photographs taken by Fenton in the Crimea. Thereafter it was replaced by a scarlet tunic for Dragoons and Dragoon Guards with the exception of this regiment, the 6th, which adopted blue.
In the background may be seen various regiments in dismounted dress. Notable is the handsome bullion embroidery of the figure in the cocked hat.

Uniforms | Regimental details