Troop Sergeant-Major 1838


Paintings of cavalrymen on horseback were usually of officers at this period so it is interesting to see a senior NCO in review order. The four gold lace stripes on his right arm denote troop sergeant-major; the same with a crown above would be for a regimental sergeant-major. The helmet is all brass with a black bear-skin crest. This replaced the black and brass helmet in 1834. This style lasted until 1843 when it was replaced in turn by a similar helmet but with a horsehair flowing mane that hung down the back. This warrant officer is armed with a sword but no carbine. His pouchbelt has only a large black leather ammunition pouch for his pistols which were kept in holsters at the front of his saddle, under the rolled blanket.


Regiment | Uniforms


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by Stephen Luscombe