Bandsman, 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 bandsman is pictured wearing dismounted review order, and is playing the bassoon. 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 helmet has a large red horse hair plume.

The tunic is blue with red facings and gold lace on the collar and cuffs. The collar has a row of braided 'eyes' along it. He wears dark blue overalls with a broad red stripe over black wellington boots with box spurs.

He has a white pouch belt with a red flask cord along the centre to delineate regimental affiliation. Attached is a highly polished white leather pouch, with gilt fittings and backed with Morocco leather. The sword belt with slings is also white. On his lower left sleeve he has 5 good conduct chevrons, indicating at least 23 years service. He also wears a Long Service and Good Conduct medal.

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