Officer 1792

Simkin's illustration is based on the excellent series of paintings by Edward Dayes the official artist of the Duke of York. The coat was more tightly fitted at this stage, and the tails had moved around so that they fell behind the legs. The yellow lapels reached to below the waist and were decorated with silver buttons and lace, in pairs. The collar by the 1790s had become more pronounced and stood 3 inches, covering the black stock around his neck. The cuffs were round, and again decorated with silver buttons and lace. As a battalion company officer, below field rank, he had one silver epaulette on his right shoulder. Officers of grenadier and light companies had wings on both shoulders. The sword belt was worn over the shoulder and had a regimental silver belt-plate. His crimson silk sash was tied round the waist with fringed ends hanging usually on the left side, not on the right as seen here. The front corner of the hat had by this time almost disappeared as the tricorn evolved into a bicorn hat. It was always worn tilted to the right and slightly forward. The edging was silver for officers and sergeants, white for the men, although by the end of the 18th century the hats were edged in black silk. Powdered hair was tied in a club at the back.

Regimental Details | Uniforms