Mervyn Mitton Posted December 27, 2009 Posted December 27, 2009 Last week I had this superb pair of silver officer's epaulettes come-in. Thought I would post them to give a 'bit of colour' back to the forum. They are Victorian and I have tentatively dated them to the 1880's - however, it is not impossible that the Crown on the dress button could be William 4th (1830-37). With the Prince of Wales Feathers the link to one of his named regiments is obvious - but, which one ? I have - for the present - shown them as the 12th Lancers. I think this heavy pattern of epaulette was common for Cavalry, to protect against downwards sword strokes. However, full dress uniforms from those days had some very fanciful trappings and I am hoping the membership will be able to make a positive identification. The workmanship is typically British of that era - even to a stamp saying left and right. I have not been able to find out anything further about the maker - only that they were top regimental tailors.
Mervyn Mitton Posted December 27, 2009 Author Posted December 27, 2009 The scales are probably gold and an interesting point, is that because of the complexity of the sequins, they have only shown the lower part of the Prince of Wales coronet.
Mervyn Mitton Posted December 27, 2009 Author Posted December 27, 2009 Exterior of the shaped tin. Originally - before it got left in a loft or, garage - it would have had the same brown varnish as the interior. This was called japaning. One has to wonder where it has been over the past Century ?
Brian Wolfe Posted December 27, 2009 Posted December 27, 2009 Outstanding item Mervyn. I never thougt of these as providing any protection from a sword cut but it makes sence. Where except here at GMIC can we see such a variety of treasures? Thanks for taking the time to share this find with us. Regards Brian
Mike Dwyer Posted December 28, 2009 Posted December 28, 2009 Those are stunning, Mervyn! Very beautiful.
leigh kitchen Posted December 28, 2009 Posted December 28, 2009 (edited) I thought I'd posted here earlier - but if I did, it's disappeared. Nice, Merv Speaking from a position of ignorance, I don't know if they're 12th Lancers or even cavalry items, infantry officers wore epaulettes too, & until a change in regulations in 1830 some wore silver lace. It seems strange that then coronets would be left incomplete due to the hassle of portraying them, I wonder if there's a different reason for that aspect of the design? Can you see the manufacturers marks on the buttons? Edited December 28, 2009 by leigh kitchen
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