More on Police Uniforms Met Inspectors Late 1800s

[SimonLMoore]

Hey chaps, I'm hoping someone on here will be able to assist me in answering a question which has, sort of been asked on here before but not coherently, I now have the information I need to ask the specific question and it regards Metropolitan Police Inspectors/Chief Inspectors uniform circa the 1880s as this seems to be around the date of changeover, if there is one.

Basically there are two patterns of tunic to consider one with 'silver' buttons and silver wire embroidery to cuffs and collar and the other more familiar with black buttons and trim. What I am trying to ascertain is was the latter a replacement for the former and if so when did this take place or were they worn concurrently with the silver buttoned and embroidered tunic as dress uniform.

I have seen a photograph of H Division prior to 1888 which shows the tunic without silver embroidery and with black buttons being worn hence my thoughts on the date of changeover.

vs.