Officer and Trumpeter c1835



This print is said to be no 41 in Spooner's Oblong series published between 1840 and 1844 and were drawn by M A Hayes. The red pelisse worn by the officer indicates that this was prepared in the 1830s when the regular regiments were ordered to wear red with gold lace. The trumpeter is of great interest here as it shows an unusual uniform. The colours of the jacket and pelisse have been reversed so that he wears a red jacket and blue pelisse. His shako is also red instead of black. The stripe on his trousers, and the edge of his shabraque are red instead of yellow.

This reproduction is of poor quality compared with other prints in the series so it is not entirely clear what sort of braid he has on his uniform. In 1850 the braid for musicians and trumpeters was mixed yellow and red, a feature that is to be found in other regimental bands. However this trumpeter appears to have the same yellow braid as the rest of the regiment. The trumpet cords are also indistinct but should be in Royal colours, red, yellow and blue. His horse is grey whereas the other ranks in the background ride on brown coloured horses.


Regimental details | Drumhorses and Musicians


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by Stephen Luscombe