Mounted Officer, 1800

This print from the series entitled British Military Library was first published in April 1800. It is quite naive in style but gives us useful information about contemporary uniform. The bicorn hat has the white over red plume ordered in 1799, and the jacket is closed at the front with no lapels showing. There is gold lace indicated across the officer's chest with some on his collar and cuff. Only two loops of lace appear on the sleeve which is probably wrong. The private of 1796 has four loops, and the 1810 jacket also has four. He has gilt shoulder scales to protect him from sabre cuts, and a white leather pouchbelt for pistol ammunition. A crimson sash can just be seen, around his waist. The sword he holds is straight and blunt-pointed. This was regarded as a poor weapon for cutting and thrusting. Shabraques with lace edges and embroidered cyphers do not seem to be worn at this time, only a bearskin holster cover. The cloak is rolled up behind the saddle and is indicated with a Swiss-roll type cross-section which may mean a red cloak with white lining. His boots are very light and close-fitting, in the style of light dragoons.

Regiment | Uniforms