Fifer and Drummer, Foot Guards 1751

Painting by Morier in the Royal Collection. There is no colour photo of the painting but the illustration by Pierre Turner is a good colour guide. The title of the painting does not specify which regiment but it is fair to assume that there was little difference in the uniforms. There were no military bands at this time. The drummers and fifers were picked from the ranks and went into battle with the rest of the troops. Generally the colour of the coats of drummers and fifers was in the facings colour of the regiment but in royal regiments they wore red coats faced blue with special royal lace. The coats had false sleeves which hung behind, from the shoulder. They wore similar caps to grenadiers, highly decorate with drums and Colours and a crown. A false turned up peak displayed the white horse of Hanover. The fife is carried in a cylindrical case. Fifers had been discontinued earlier in the century but were reintroduced in 1748. The drummer was essential in that he transmitted orders with special drum beats.

Band | Regimental details