Major 1764

The 50th had the unusual distinction of black facings. This lasted until 1830 when they became the Queen's Own and, as a royal regiment, changed to blue. The portrait here is by Joseph Wright of Derby and is one of his finest. It had been in America for many years and only came to the notice of British military enthusiasts when it was auctioned in 2002. The subject of the portrait and his regiment were not known but an article in the Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research (Spring 2004), written by Andrew Cormack puts a convincing case to show that this is Major Sir Alexander Hope Bt of the 50th Regiment. see Soldiers
The black tricorn hat has an edge of silver lace that is an inch wide, with a black cockade held down with a silver strap and button. After 1770 the hats started to lose the front corner and by 1787 developed into a bicorn hat. The buttons on his coat are plain silver but in 1767 they were required to have the regimental number, and in the case of the 50th, a crown above the number. The lapels reach only to the waist and are trimmed with slim silver lace. The men had white lace with a thin red central stripe. This officer's cuff is well shown here, having a round black turn up with a red slash flap edged in silver and decorated with three silver buttons and loops.
His right shoulder has a silver lace epaulette which extends to form hanging aiguillettes, an indication of rank. The long waistcoat is buff with silver lace edging, and his breeches are the same colour. He has no swordbelt visible as it is worn beneath the waistcoat; the hilt of his sword can be seen on his left side. There is no crimson sash over his right shoulder and no gorget, silver in this case, at his throat, so he is not on duty. He holds a simple stick instead of the usual spontoon or fusil.

Uniforms | Regimental Details