Drum-Major 1857


This photo gives us some good details of the Drum-Majors uniform which, like the Bandmaster, is unique. He is a warrant officer, therefore has four chevrons on his upper arm. These are lost in a profusion of gold lace up his sleeve and across his chest and shoulders. The lace on his chest is curious in that it is framed with a single line of lace and has buttons on the extremities instead of down the middle. The drum-majors sash on his left shoulder is blue with gold lace edges and much embroidery with cushioning. There are symbolic drumsticks on the sash. The sergeants/warrant officers crimson sash is on his right shoulder. A Crimea medal with clasps shows on his chest. He carries a small staff of office when not leading the band and drums. We can also see his special sword kept in a frog fixed to the waistbelt and not slung like the officers. The photo gives an accurate idea of the size of the bearskin which rather puts the Gambert prints in question. See Drummer 1857 and Bandmaster 1857.


Band | Regimental details


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by Stephen Luscombe