Grenadier Guards, Colour Sergeant in full dress, 1900 (c)

Watercolour by Percy (Perceval) William Reynolds (1860-1937), 1900 (c).

Single figure uniform study of a colour sergeant of the Grenadier Guards in full dress, 1900 (c).

The Grenadier Guards is the oldest foot guard regiment in the British Army. It traces its lineage back to a regiment formed in Bruges in 1656 by Charles II to act as part of his bodyguard during his exile. Despite its age, the regiment did not adopt a flaming grenade as its cap badge until 1815 when it defeated the French Imperial Guard's grenadiers at Waterloo. It also assumed that unit's title and bearskin helmet.

From a series of 70 watercolours by P W Reynolds 1900 (c).