Officers’ Mess Kit c1890

Officers of the Earl of Chester’s Yeomanry had worn blue stable jackets faced red, with silver Russia braid but around 1881 the jacket was edged with silver lace in diamond and point pattern. The left edge was lined with closely placed silver studs. The shoulder cords were of silver chain gimp.The collar had lace all the way round along the top and front edge with silver gimp along the bottom. The lace formed two loops on the back waist with red centres. The pointed cuffs had two silver buttons. The waistcoat was originally less decorated, having a simple silver braid edge. In 1881 decorative braid was added in alternate volute and eye ornaments. The pockets were edged with braid, ending in trefoils. The coloured drawings are by Robert J Smith and taken from The Mess Dress of the Yeomanry Cavalry 1880-1914 by David J Knight and R J Smith (Military Historical Society 2006)

Regimental Details | Cheshire Yeomanry Uniforms