Trumpeter, Undress 1886

The trumpeter in this photo wears the undress blue frock with white piping on the collar and cuff. As the shell jacket that was worn previously had a red collar it can be assumed that this garment also had a red collar. It is an unusual tunic in that it does not have pockets on the chest and hips. It is buttoned down the front with five ball-shaped white metal buttons, and there are two small buttons on the cuff. On the shoulders are twisted white cords buttoned near the neck. An embroidered gold cross trumpets badge is on his upper right sleeve. He had two instruments attached to him by cords which are of the royal colours, blue, yellow and red. The bugle is under his arm with a tassel visible, and a trumpet hangs on his back.
His pill-box cap is blue with a white band and button on top. He wears blue breeches with white cloth stripes and hussar knee boots. A hidden waist-belt supports his sword on two white leather slings. In 1885 the regular cavalry had changed from the moveable rings on the scabbard to fixed rings either side of the mouth of the scabbard, but the Earl of Chester’s retained this type of sword for several years longer. The photo gives a clear view of the saddle and tack. The ear and bit boss, as well as the breast ornament, are special pattern brass regimental items bearing the Prince of Wales plume. His saddle has a rolled cloak in front and holsters for pistols. The stirrups are the older cavalry pattern instead of the straight bottomed type. A leather crupper strap extends from the back of the saddle to the tail.

Regimental Details | Cheshire Yeomanry Trumpeters and Band