Cyphers! They're a mystery.

[filfoster]

Does anyone have a clear photo or know if Edward VII wore his mother's monogram cypher "VR" on his Field Marshal and Admiral of the Fleet uniform shoulder boards/epaulettes?

I can't find a clear photo to tell. 

[filfoster]

It was common for British monarchs to wear the cypher of their predecessor on their shoulder boards and epaulettes, I assume because they were honorary adjutants to them. The photo above is very detailed but I cannot make out what's on his shoulder cords. Should be an embroidered field marshal insignia, crossed batons with a surmounting crown but who knows? There is some kind of metal device that looks like a silver crown at the shoulder end. Anyone know?

[filfoster]

Anyone?

[filfoster]

Let's simplify:  What's the shiny thing (photo above) on his shoulder cords nearest the camera?

 

Also: See this portrait: Lots of stuff on his shoulder cords but it's a retouched photo, so who knows?

Edited November 30, 2021 by filfoster

[filfoster]

Oh come on, somebody at least guess!

[Marcon1]

Edward VII was already a Fieldmarshall BEFORE he became king.

As Victoria was head of state before him it is clear that he must have had VR on his shoulder epaulettes !!

 

VR under crown on shoulder. (Uniform unknown).

 

Marcon1.

[filfoster]

Would the cyphers be at the shoulder end or between the wreathed batons and the crown?  I have seen other field marshals with both arrangements.....

[Alex K]

On 18/12/2021 at 19:15, Marcon1 said:

Edward VII was already a Fieldmarshall BEFORE he became king.

As Victoria was head of state before him it is clear that he must have had VR on his shoulder epaulettes !!

 

VR under crown on shoulder. (Uniform unknown).

 

Marcon1.

I think this image is as Prince of Wales, not king, he is wearing a uniform of the "Blues and Royals" probably as "Colonel in Chief" 

Just for fun, a colourised version

 

 

 

 

Edit, more info? 

Re-examining the original al image, do i see batons!? 

Additionally his son George V, wore cyphers of 2 predecessors, don't know what the protocol was

 

Edited December 20, 2021 by Alex K

[filfoster]

Nice clear photos of the cyphers for both Edward and George. I'd suggest George's dual cyphers reflect being an adjutant to both predecessor sovereigns. Anyone confirm this?