Drummer and Fifer, Undress 1850


A sketch from life by Ebsworth. The drummer on the left and the fifer on the right are members of the Corps of Drums, not the band. Between them stands a pioneer, leaning on his musket. They are in undress drill order. The white jacket was worn in this order for many years in the Guards, all year round, but the white trousers were only worn in the summer months. The undress cap is similar to the modern day forage cap, having a white cap-band and peak. They have their greatcoats folded on their backs as they would in full dress.

The drummer has a drum carriage round his neck which is decorated with blue fleur-de-lys. He has two shoulder belts, one is for a sword but the other is puzzling because there is no visible pouch. The fifer holds a trumpet in his right hand. He has one chevron on his left arm, this is black on a red cloth backing. He has a straight sword which is very different from the sword carried by bandsmen. His other shoulder belt carries a fife case which is silver and decorated with a silver garter star badge.


Regimental details | Regimental Band


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by Stephen Luscombe