Corporal of Horse, The Royal Horse Guards, 1895 (c)

Glass negative, W Gregory and Company, 51 Strand, London, 1895 (c).

This image comes from a collection of glass plate negatives associated with William Gregory and Company. The negatives depict the British Army, including some members of the colonial forces, 'at home' in Britain during the 1890s.

As well as being intimate portraits of soldiers from this era, the images provide detailed illustrations of uniforms worn during the high point of military tailoring.

The corporal of horse is pictured wearing dismounted review order. This comprises the Albert Pattern full dress helmet that was adopted by the Household Cavalry in 1842. The decoration is of brass or gilding metal, and the helmet plate includes a laurel and oak leaf spray. In the centre is a white metal garter star with a brass cross, and a large Victoria crown above. The horse hair plume is red.

The tunic is blue with red facings with gold lace on the collar and cuffs. He has plaited gold shoulder cords with an aiguillette attached on the left shoulder. This has loops with gold needles hanging down to the middle of the tunic. Dark blue overalls with a broad red stripe are worn over black wellington boots.

He has a white pouch belt with a red flask cord along the centre to delineate regimental affiliation. Attached is a highly polished black leather pouch, with gilt fittings and backed with Morocco leather. His 1882 pattern sword hangs from the slings of a white sword belt. He has white leather gauntlets.

One of a collection of 280 glass negatives, associated with W Gregory and Company, London, and F G O Stuart, 1892 (c)-1900.