This degraded copy of a photo taken c1882 has some value in that it shows the unusual style of forage cap worn by officers of the Hampshire Yeomanry prior to their change of title to Carabiniers. Cavalry forage caps were usually peakless from c1855 onwards but this photo proves that the regiment wore a forage cap normally reserved for infantry at this period. It is blue with a silver lace cap-band and a drooping peak that is edged with silver embroidery. One of the caps is tilted a little towards the camera showing the silver netted button on top but no braiding apart from around the rim.
The other interesting aspect of the photo is the dress jacket which indicates rank on the sleeves. The regiment was basically light dragoon in style except for the fact that the jacket was waist-length instead of skirted. But the indication of rank was based on the light dragoons. The officers on the right and left of the photo are captains and have silver Austrian knots surrounded by swirls of silver Russia braid. Rank was also shown on the silver plaited shoulder cords; for captains, two gold embroidered stars on each shoulder. Lieutenants would have had one star on the shoulder and a plain Austrian knot on the sleeve. They all wear the dress pouch-belt with gold lace and central white silk centre. A figure in the background has white belts and perhaps an undress frock.
