Drum-Major 1852

This picture shows us the details of the drum-major's uniform which is not very different from the one worn in Drummers 1838. The sleeves are plain in this case, except for the blue round cuff with three gilt buttons and gold lace pointed loops. He has only three gold lace rank chevrons at this stage, edged in dark blue. The wings on his shoulders are blue and gold laced. The distinctive feature of the uniform is the gold aiguilette on the right shoulder. The plaited ends hang loose which is unusual for a mid-19th century uniform. The other cords, instead of looping up to the middle of his chest, incline slightly to be fastened somewhere under his sash. His sword is suspended from the white belt on his right shoulder. It has a gilt belt-plate that is probably of officer quality.
The sash is much more decorated than the earlier types. It is blue with two rows of gold lace on each edge and has elaborate embroidery of a regimental badge on top of a trophy of arms and thistles. The drum sticks attached are symbols of his position as commander of the Corps of Drums. The drum by his side looks like a relic of the 18th century, being the type of bass drum carried by the oriental-style time-beaters. The staff is not decorated with criss-crossed chains as in the 1838 picture.

Regimental Band | Regimental details