Shell jacket, Major Henry E Bale, 34th (Cumberland) Regiment of Foot, 1857 (c)

Scarlet wool serge with buff facings, 1857 (c).

Shell jackets, reminiscent of Eton College jackets, were authorised for wear in place of the undress coat by infantry officers from 1829. They continued to be worn until 1856 when they were replaced with looser fitting frocks. The 1857 Dress Regulations authorised the white piping shown on the front edge of this jacket. Modified versions of the shell jacket subsequently evolved into mess dress.

Bale had served in the Crimean War (1854-1856) and was severely wounded during the Siege of Sevastopol, having the forefinger of his left hand amputated. On recovering he was sent to India during the Mutiny (1857-1859), arriving at Calcutta in October 1857. His regiment was sent up country as reinforcements for Sir Colin Campbell's offensive against Lucknow in March 1858. Having taken part in the capture of the city, Bale died later that year.