Sergeant, Grenadier Company 1790

This fine picture from a series of prints by E Dayes gives us a clear idea of the uniform which laid the foundation for many years to come. The black bearskin cap has a gold festoon and tassels and a brass plate at the front of the royal arms. There is a scarlet patch at the back of the head-dress and a brass grenade badge underneath. Hair is powdered, plaited and turned up under the cap. The coat is red faced blue with gold lace and buttons. The most interesting aspect of this uniform is the gold fringed epaulettes laid on top of the blue and gold wings. This is seen in later uniforms of the 1820s but only on field officers. Grenadier officers of this period only had the epaulettes without the wings.
The turnbacks of his coat are fastened with brass grenades. The two cross belts support an ammunition pouch on the right hip which is black polished leather with a brass garter star badge. This strap also has the brass match case which by now is small and only decorative. The other belt which was formerly on his waist is now on the right shoulder and carries a bayonet and sword. He has a brass beltplate in the middle of the belts. The cane under his arm appears to be hooked onto his crossbelt. A crimson sergeant's sash is tied round his waist with the ends hanging on the left. We can also see a small fob on his left side.
Shirt frills show at the neck and cuffs. The white waistcoat has brass buttons. The breeches are also white and the black gaiters reach his knees.

Uniforms | Regimental Details