Farrier Major, 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 farrier major is pictured wearing the peak-less pillbox cap. This is blue with a red band along the bottom, gold piping and an Albert Crown, denoting his rank. The tunic is blue with red facings and 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. His rank of farrier major is also visible on his right upper sleeve, where a horseshoe and a crown can be seen. 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.

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