Drum Major, Coldstream 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 drum major is pictured wearing State Dress. This 'State Dress' is not regimental dress, but that worn by state musicians of the sovereign as far back as the seventeenth century. The intricate gold lace design on the coat dates back to this era. Bandsmen of the Household Cavalry, Band Majors of the Foot Guards and trumpeters wear these kinds of coats.

The crimson sash around the waist has a six-inch gold fringe and an enamelled badge of the Garter Star attached. The type of velvet skull cap the Drum Major is pictured wearing is said to have been inspired by the caps of horse racers, and encouraged by Charles II. He carries a drum-major's staff or mace and has two medals: the Egypt Medal (1882) and the Khedive's Star (1882-1891).

Drum majors commanded drummers, buglers and bandsmen. They also played an important ceremonial role within the regiment, leading marching bands and concerts.

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