BOOKS FOR COLLECTORS
With Frontispieces and many Illustrations
Large Crown 8vo, cloth.
CHATS ON ENGLISH CHINA.
By Arthur Hayden.
CHATS ON OLD FURNITURE.
By Arthur Hayden.
CHATS ON OLD PRINTS.
(How to collect and value Old Engravings.)
By Arthur Hayden.
CHATS ON COSTUME.
By G. Woolliscroft Rhead.
CHATS ON OLD LACE AND NEEDLEWORK.
By E. L. Lowes.
CHATS ON ORIENTAL CHINA.
By J. F. Blacker.
CHATS ON OLD MINIATURES.
By J. J. Foster, F.S.A.
CHATS ON ENGLISH EARTHENWARE.
By Arthur Hayden.
CHATS ON AUTOGRAPHS.
By A. M. Broadley.
CHATS ON PEWTER.
By H. J. L. J. Massé, M.A.
CHATS ON POSTAGE STAMPS.
By Fred. J. Melville.
CHATS ON OLD JEWELLERY AND TRINKETS.
By MacIver Percival.
CHATS ON COTTAGE AND FARMHOUSE FURNITURE.
By Arthur Hayden.
CHATS ON OLD COINS.
By Fred. W. Burgess.
CHATS ON OLD COPPER AND BRASS.
By Fred. W. Burgess.
CHATS ON HOUSEHOLD CURIOS.
By Fred. W. Burgess.
CHATS ON OLD SILVER.
By Arthur Hayden.
CHATS ON JAPANESE PRINTS.
By Arthur Davison Ficke.
CHATS ON MILITARY CURIOS.
By Stanley C. Johnson.
In Preparation.
CHATS ON BARGAINS.
By Charles E. Jerningham.
CHATS ON OLD CLOCKS AND WATCHES.
By Arthur Hayden.
LONDON: T. FISHER UNWIN, LTD.
NEW YORK: F. A. STOKES COMPANY.
CHATS ON
MILITARY CURIOS
BRONZE MEDALLION OF THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON.
Frontispiece.
Chats on
MILITARY CURIOS
BY
STANLEY C. JOHNSON
M.A., D.Sc., F.R.E.S.
WITH EIGHTY ILLUSTRATIONS
NEW YORK
FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY
PUBLISHERS
TO
G. M. J.
THIS BOOK IS GRATEFULLY
DEDICATED
(All rights reserved)
PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN
[CONTENTS]
| PAGE | ||
| LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS | [13] | |
| CHAPTER I | ||
| INTRODUCTION | [17] | |
| Preliminary considerations—Where to search for curios—What to search for—Specializing—Undesirable curios—The catalogue of the Royal United Service Museum—Public collections of military curios | ||
| CHAPTER II | ||
| REGIMENTAL NOMENCLATURE | [27] | |
| Household Cavalry—Dragoon Guards—Cavalry—Artillery —Engineers—Guards—Infantry, both past and present nomenclature—Other units | ||
| CHAPTER III | ||
| REGIMENTAL CRESTS | [39] | |
| The fascination of regimental crests—How to plan a collection of crests—The changes which crests undergo—The meaning of crests—Mottoes on crests, and their meanings | ||
| CHAPTER IV | ||
| MILITARY UNIFORMS | [53] | |
| The growth of uniforms—The effect of the decline in armour on uniforms—The part played by Elizabeth—Uniforms in the time of the Civil War—In Charles II's reign—James II—The first two Georges—Uniforms in the Peninsular War—The close-fitting uniforms of George IV—The changes which were brought about in William IV's time—Later changes—Peculiarities of the military dress of to-day | ||
| CHAPTER V | ||
| ARMOUR | [69] | |
| The scarcity of good armour—Considerations for the collector—Counterfeit armour—The twelve periods in armour—The characteristics of each period—Glossary | ||
| CHAPTER VI | ||
| WEAPONS | [89] | |
| Buying specimens—Storing them—Hand culverins—The serpentin—The wheel-lock—The flint-lock—The rifle—Swords—The effect of armour on swords—Swords with historical associations—Other weapons | ||
| CHAPTER VII | ||
| EARLY BRITISH WAR MEDALS | [105] | |
| How to arrange a collection of medals—Factors which influence the value of a medal—The earliest medals—The first English medal—The first English military medal—The Forlorn Hope medal—The Dunbar medal—The Culloden medal—Medals granted by the Honourable East India Company—The Pope's medal, 1793—The Emperor Francis II of Germany's medal, 1794—The Seringapatam medal—The Egyptian medal, 1801—The Rodriguez medal—The Nepaul medal—The Maida medal—The Peninsular Officers' medal | ||
| CHAPTER VIII | ||
| MILITARY MEDALS STRUCK BY THE MINT | [135] | |
| Campaign medals considered—Waterloo—Burmah—China— Cabul—Jellalabad—Scinde—Meanee—Sobroan—The men's Peninsular medal—Punjab—Indian General Service medals—South Africa, 1850-3; also 1877-9—Baltic—Crimea—Indian Mutiny—Abyssinia—New Zealand—Later awards | ||
| CHAPTER IX | ||
| MILITARY DECORATIONS AWARDED FOR SPECIAL SERVICES | [163] | |
| The necessity for special awards—The Victoria Cross—The Order of Merit—The "Distinguished Conduct in the Field" award—The Distinguished Service Order—The Meritorious Service award—The Long Service and Good Conduct award—The "Best Shot" medal—Volunteer decorations—Other decorations | ||
| CHAPTER X | ||
| MILITARY MEDALLIONS | [181] | |
| General considerations—The "lost wax" process—Hadrian's medallions—Renaissance examples—Simon, the medallist—Wyon's work—Public collections—Some noted medallions described | ||
| CHAPTER XI | ||
| MILITARY PRINTS | [195] | |
| The period 1750-1860—Works including military prints—Where to search for bargains—The kind of print most sought after—Works including fine military prints—Bunbury—Gillray | ||
| CHAPTER XII | ||
| MEMORIAL BRASSES OF MILITARY INTEREST | [209] | |
| Classes of military brasses—Rubbings and how to make them—Floor brasses, their characteristics—Palimpsest brasses—What may be learnt from brasses—Mural tablets | ||
| CHAPTER XIII | ||
| AUTOGRAPHS OF GREAT SOLDIERS | [221] | |
| The fascination of autograph collecting—Points which influence the value of an autograph—Autographs classified—A "Schomberg" letter—The notes scribbled by Airey at Balaclava—General hints—Prices of autographs | ||
| CHAPTER XIV | ||
| WAR POSTAGE STAMPS | [241] | |
| The earliest war stamps—Stamps used in the Crimean War—The British Army Post Office Corps—The Sudan Expedition—The South African campaign—The Great War—Recent war stamps and postmarks—Indian war stamps—Other war stamps | ||
| CHAPTER XV | ||
| WAR MONEY | [261] | |
| French obsidional notes—Mafeking notes—The Napoleonic assignats—Charles II and University plate—Mints at Carlisle, Beeston, Scarborough, Newark, Colchester, and Pontefract—Irish gun money | ||
| CHAPTER XVI | ||
| CURIOS MADE BY PRISONERS OF WAR | [287] | |
| Objects recently made in Holland—The Napoleonic prisoners at Norman Cross, Perth, Dartmoor, Stapleton, Liverpool, and Greenland Valleyfield | ||
| CHAPTER XVII | ||
| MISCELLANEOUS MILITARY CURIOS | [299] | |
| Considerations respecting miscellaneous curios—Battlefield souvenirs—Regimental colours—Odds and ends of dress equipment—Books and newspapers of military interest—Royal souvenirs—Official military documents—Gruesome relics—Relics of the Great War | ||
| CHAPTER XVIII | ||
| A HISTORY OF ONE'S COLLECTION | [317] | |
| Reasons for compiling a history of one's collection—The part played by photographs—Armour suggested as an example—Material for grangerizing | ||
| BIBLIOGRAPHY | [323] | |
| INDEX | [337] | |
[ILLUSTRATIONS]
LIST OF PLATES
| A BRONZE MEDALLION OF THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON | [Frontispiece] | |
| PAGE | ||
| QUEEN VICTORIA'S CHOCOLATE BOX SENT TO THE SOLDIERS FIGHTING IN SOUTH AFRICA, 1900 | [23] | |
| PRINCESS MARY'S CHRISTMAS BOX SENT TO THE SOLDIERS FIGHTING IN FRANCE AND BELGIUM, 1914 | [23] | |
| BADGE OF THE QUEEN'S (ROYAL WEST SURREY REGIMENT) 2ND FOOT | [33] | |
| BADGE OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S (WILTSHIRE REGIMENT) | [33] | |
| BADGE OF THE KING'S (LIVERPOOL REGIMENT) | [33] | |
| BADGE OF THE ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE REGIMENT | [33] | |
| BADGE OF THE ROYAL DUBLIN FUSILIERS. | [43] | |
| BADGE OF THE ROYAL FUSILIERS (CITY OF LONDON REGIMENT) | [43] | |
| BADGE OF THE SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS (5TH BATTALION) | [43] | |
| BADGE OF THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY | [43] | |
| SOME REGIMENTAL BUTTONS | [49] | |
| A HORSE AMULET BEARING THE DEVICE OF THE ROYAL FUSILIERS | [57] | |
| HELMET PLATE OF THE ROYAL MARINE LIGHT INFANTRY | [57] | |
| A SLEEVE FROM A COAT OF THE OLD 2ND (SOUTH MIDDLESEX) VOLUNTEER REGIMENT | [67] | |
| A BELT BUCKLE FROM THE SAME REGIMENT | [67] | |
| A FLINT-LOCK PISTOL | [77] | |
| THE ACTION PART OF THE ABOVE | [77] | |
| THE BARREL OF A GUN ORNAMENTED WITH A TWIN HEAD OF MINERVA | [85] | |
| AN OLD POWDER-FLASK | [85] | |
| A SOUTH AFRICAN POM-POM SHELL AND A MARTINI-HENRI CARTRIDGE | [93] | |
| CARTRIDGES AS USED IN THE GREAT WAR. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: GERMAN, FRENCH, BELGIAN, AND BRITISH | [93] | |
| AN OLD SWORD WITH STRAIGHT CROSS-GUARDS | [101] | |
| AN ITALIAN DAGGER HAVING A REPLICA OF THE FAMOUS COLUMN OF ST. MARK FOR GRIP | [101] | |
| ROYALIST BADGE WORN BY THE PARTISANS OF CHARLES I | [109] | |
| THE CRIMEAN MEDAL | [117] | |
| THE GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL, 1793-1814 | [123] | |
| THE AFGHAN MEDAL | [123] | |
| SOUTH AFRICAN MEDAL, 1877-9 | [123] | |
| THE INDIAN MUTINY MEDAL | [133] | |
| THE CHINA MEDAL, 1842-60 | [145] | |
| THE EGYPTIAN MEDAL, 1882-9 | [145] | |
| THE SUTLEJ MEDAL | [157] | |
| THE PUNJAB MEDAL | [157] | |
| THE THIRD INDIAN GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL | [157] | |
| THE QUEEN AND KING'S SOUTH AFRICAN MEDALS, 1899-1902 (The same reverse was used for both pieces) | [171] | |
| A CHECK TO CORSICAN ASSURANCE By Cruikshank | [191] | |
| NAPOLEON'S CARRIAGE ARRIVING AT THE LONDON MUSEUM By Cruikshank | [199] | |
| A SINGULAR TRAIT OF BUONAPARTE'S FAVOURITE MAMELUKE By Cruikshank | [207] | |
| A BATTLEFIELD SOUVENIR PICKED UP ON THE PLAINS OF FLANDERS (The same helmet is shown with and without the cloth covering) | [217] | |
| A BATTLEFIELD SOUVENIR BEARING VERSES SHOWING THE BLOODTHIRSTY NATURE OF THE TYROLESE PEASANT AND SOLDIER | [227] | |
| AN OLD MUG BEARING THE FAMOUS PICTURE DEPICTING "THE DEATH OF WOLFE" | [237] | |
| A SOLDIER'S COMMUNICATION POSTED DURING THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR | [245] | |
| A SIMILAR COMMUNICATION FROM "SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE" | [245] | |
| A POST-CARD RECEIVED FROM A SOLDIER IN FRANCE BEARING STEREOTYPED GREETINGS | [257] | |
| MONEY OF THE GREAT REBELLION, 1642-9 (1. Newark sixpence—2. Colchester gold half unite—3. Pontefract two-shilling piece—4. Ormond half-crown—5. Dublin crown of Charles II) | [265] | |
| GUN MONEY OF JAMES II (1. Sixpence—2. Sixpence—3. Shilling—4. Shilling—5. Half-crown—6. Half-crown—7. Half-crown—8. Half-crown) | [271] | |
| GUN MONEY OF JAMES II (9. Shilling—10. Shilling—11. Half-crown—12. Half-crown—13. Half-crown—14. Crown—15. Crown—16. Limerick farthing) | [277] | |
| PAPER MONEY OF THE FRENCH REPUBLIC, 1793 | [283] | |
| OBSIDIONAL HALF-FRANC NOTE OF EPERNAY | [291] | |
| OBSIDIONAL FRANC NOTE OF EPERNAY | [291] | |
| A NEWSPAPER POSTER WHICH TOLD OF WELCOME NEWS | [297] | |
| A SET OF BONE DOMINOES CARVED BY PRISONERS TAKEN IN THE NAPOLEONIC WARS, AND INTERNED IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF PETERBOROUGH | [297] | |
| AN INTERESTING BROADSIDE PRINTED AT THE FAMOUS CATNACH PRESS, BEING ONE OF A SERIES DESCRIBING INCIDENTS IN THE LIFE OF A SOLDIER | [313] | |
ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE TEXT
| ARMOUR HEADGEAR | [75] |
| WEAPONS | [99] |
| A MEDALLION STRUCK IN HONOUR OF JULIUS CÆSAR | [186] |
| MEDALLION COMMEMORATING THE VICTORY OF THE BATTLE OF THE BOYNE | [187] |
| MEDALLION COMMEMORATING THE FALL OF JAMES II | [187] |
| TWO MARLBOROUGH MEDALLIONS | [188] |
| MEDALLION COMMEMORATING THE BATTLE OF OUDENARDE | [189] |
| MEDALLION COMMEMORATING THE SURRENDER OF LILLE | [189] |
| MEDALLION COMMEMORATING THE BATTLE OF DUNBLANE | [190] |
| MEDALLION COMMEMORATING THE BATTLE OF DETTINGEN | [190] |
| MEDALLION COMMEMORATING THE BATTLE OF MINDEN | [193] |
| THE OLDEST ENGLISH BRASS | [215] |
| FACSIMILE OF A PORTION OF A LETTER WRITTEN BY CROMWELL TO LENTHALL, ANNOUNCING THE VICTORY OF NASEBY | [225] |
| AUTOGRAPH LETTER WRITTEN BY NAPOLEON III TO WILLIAM I OF GERMANY AFTER THE BATTLE OF SEDAN | [231] |
| SOME AUTOGRAPHS OF NOTED SOLDIERS | [235] |
| SOME HISTORIC POST-MARKS USED ON MILITARY CORRESPONDENCE | [252] |
| A CUTTING FROM "THE TIMES" OF NOVEMBER 9, 1796 | [308] |
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Author wishes to acknowledge his indebtedness to Dr. Philip Nelson for the loan of the valuable coins which figure in the illustrations on pages 265, 271, and 277; to Mr. Tom Satterthwaite for the loan of many of the medals depicted in these pages; to Mr. Leonard Baggott for the loan of arms; to Messrs. Henry Sotheran for permission to reproduce three Cruikshank prints; to Messrs. Spink & Son for permission to reproduce the Royalist Badge; also to Mr. Edwin Johnson, B.Sc., and Mr. James Pryor for the loan of various curios included in the following pages.
The Author also wishes to state that in forming his own collection of military curios he has gained much helpful assistance from "The Connoisseur"; from C. H. Ashdown's "British and Foreign Arms and Armour"; from J. H. Mayo's "Medals and Decorations of the British Army and Navy"; from D. H. Irwin's "War Medals and Decorations"; from Ralph Nevill's "British Military Prints"; from Edward Beaumont's works dealing with Brasses; and from the authorities of the Royal United Service Museum.
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Preliminary considerations—Where to search for curios—What to search for—Specializing—Undesirable curios—The catalogue of the Royal United Service Museum—Public collections of military curios
For centuries past the collection of military curios has been the select pastime of men of title and soldiers of rank. Lately, however, owing to the War and the great spread of interest in all things pertaining to it, the circle of collectors has considerably widened, until to-day few things are more treasured by connoisseurs than the thousand and one souvenirs and emblems which emanate from our Army.
Most forms of collecting require the expenditure of much capital, but this is not one of the drawbacks which confront the seeker after military curios. For a few pence an old-fashioned bayonet can be picked up; a rifle bearing a date in last century will cost but a trifle more, whilst such odds and ends as badges and tunic buttons may be had for almost nothing.
Of course, a good deal depends on knowing where to search for treasures. The old curiosity shops are capital hunting-grounds, but second-hand dealers who make a practice of buying up the contents of whole houses are even better. These people seem to get an accumulation of odd material which is difficult to classify, and therefore hard to sell. It is hidden away among these effects that the collector will probably alight upon his finest discoveries.
Some of our own experiences in the matter of bargain finding may be worth detailing. At Rag Fair, last Christmas, we were asked half a guinea for six perfect but very much begrimed medals, one of which was for the Defence of Lucknow. Needless to add, the set was worth many pounds when cleaned and fitted with fresh ribbons. On a stall in Farringdon Road we recently picked up a few helmet badges, some of which bore the old regimental numbers used prior to 1881, at twopence apiece. And elsewhere a few weeks back we chanced upon a bag full of military buttons, for which the dealer asked a shilling.
If we wish to form our collections quickly the best plan will be to get in touch with one of the first-class firms who regularly keep an exhaustive stock of military curios, and who can supply almost anything we need; but for our part we prefer to enter upon the work slowly and pick up treasures here and there at tempting prices. Doubtless there are capital hunting-grounds where bargains may be found in almost every town, but in London our favourite haunts are Rag Fair, held on Fridays in the Caledonian Meat Market; the stalls in Farringdon Road, Hounsditch, and Middlesex Street; the shops in Praed Street; and, lastly, Charing Cross Road—the latter only for books and prints. Of course a good deal of material may be obtained cheaply by keeping an eye on the bargain advertisements found in certain newspapers. The Bazaar, Exchange and Mart, for instance, regularly contains notices of guns, medals, autographs, and such-like objects for sale, often at prices ridiculously low. It is thus clear that there is no lack in the sources of supply if only we can get in touch with them.
With many forms of collecting there is a certain sameness about the things collected which is apt to produce monotony: with military curios, however, the treasures cover so wide a field that no such drawback can exist. The following list will give a fair idea of the different objects which come within our present range:—
Medals, helmet and cap-badges, tunic buttons, armour pieces, firearms, weapons of all kinds as long as they have a military connection, medallions struck to celebrate military events, autographs of famous soldiers, original documents relating to army work, military pictures and prints, newspaper cuttings referring to military matters, obsolete uniforms including such fragments as sabretaches, gorgets, epaulettes, etc., and, lastly, stamps and postmarks which have franked the correspondence of soldiers on active service.
The list is a somewhat lengthy one, and to endeavour to amass a representative collection of all the things enumerated would be a formidable task. It is, therefore, much the wisest plan either to collect the above objects in a general way, specializing at the same time in two or three definite directions, or else to collect everything possible pertaining to one definite regiment. The latter method is, of course, the one which appeals most to army men and their immediate friends.
Those of us who elect to confine our attentions to regimental collecting should first procure a history of the regiment selected. From this work we shall then be able to find out what battles our chosen unit has fought in; what particular history it possesses; what noted soldiers have brought it fame; where it has been quartered from time to time; what customs specially belong to it; what changes have been made in its dress, and so forth. Such knowledge will afford us much help; it will teach us what objects to seek for and what to pass over. We shall not be led to search, say, for a Ghuznee medal if our chosen regiment was formed later than 1842, nor shall we hunt through the files of The Times for Wellington's dispatches concerning the Battle of Waterloo if our regiment took no part in the campaign.
There are one or two kinds of military curios which we should not attempt to collect. First, we should avoid all such large objects as take up more house-room than we can afford to spare them, and secondly, we should refrain from accepting objects the genuineness of which it is impossible to verify. Concerning this latter class, it may be appropriate to mention that we have never visited the battlefield of Waterloo without meeting a particularly eloquent man who always tells us that he has just had the good fortune to dig up some trophy or other of the famous fight. Naturally he is prepared to let us share in his good fortune, and consequently names a price for the article. Needless to say, the country of origin of the trophy is Germany, and the date of construction some time in the twentieth century. Probably, other battlefields besides the one at Waterloo are infested with unscrupulous curio vendors, so that the collector will be well advised if he refrains from purchasing any article unless properly authenticated—especially on battlefields.
QUEEN VICTORIA'S CHOCOLATE BOX SENT TO THE SOLDIERS FIGHTING IN SOUTH AFRICA, 1900.
PRINCESS MARY'S CHRISTMAS BOX SENT TO THE SOLDIERS FIGHTING IN FRANCE AND BELGIUM, 1914.
In many branches of collecting comprehensive catalogues have been published which enable the student to classify, arrange, and price every piece among his treasures. With military curios, however, no such publications exist, but a very useful guide is the official catalogue issued by the Royal United Service Museum in Whitehall. The Museum itself is well worth frequent visits, for it is only by constant inspection of such exhibits as those displayed in this gallery that we can get to know of the existence of certain curios and of the shape, texture, and pattern of others. The Museum possesses particularly fine exhibits of medals, even of the earlier types; of uniforms, especially head-pieces; of regimental banners, and such weapons as swords and rifles.
The United Service Museum is by no means the only treasure-house of interest to collectors of military curios. The Tower of London, the Wallace Collection, and the Rotunda at Woolwich, each possess much that is worth inspecting in the way of armour and weapons, whilst the British Museum has a collection of medals which is almost unique. The traveller on the Continent will find many instructive exhibits in the Musée d'Artillerie at Paris, the Rijks Museum at Amsterdam, and the National Museum at Copenhagen.
CHAPTER II
REGIMENTAL NOMENCLATURE
Household Cavalry—Dragoon Guards—Cavalry—Artillery—Engineers—Guards—Infantry, both past and present nomenclature—Other units
The composition of the British Army is a matter concerning which the lay reader knows but little. As many regiments will be mentioned by name in the following pages, it is very necessary that the various divisions be given in tabulated form for purposes of reference. Without such a list the collecting of badges, crests, and other devices cannot be performed methodically nor can we study the various forms of dress with anything like precision.
The following list consists of one hundred and fourteen units, many of which may be sub-divided into regulars, territorials, and cadets. Where such sub-divisions exist separate badges are worn. It must also be mentioned that each battalion in certain regiments boasts of a distinct device of its own. The different badges worn to-day in the King's Army are therefore considerably above two hundred in number:—
Household Cavalry:
1st Life Guards.
2nd Life Guards.
Royal Horse Guards.
Dragoon Guards:
1st Dragoon Guards (King's).
2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen's Bays).
3rd Dragoon Guards (Prince of Wales's).
4th Dragoon Guards (Royal Irish).
5th Dragoon Guards (Princess Charlotte of Wales's).
6th Dragoon Guards (Carabineers).
7th Dragoon Guards (Princess Royal's).
Cavalry:
1st Royal Dragoons.
2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys).
3rd King's Own Hussars.
4th Queen's Own Hussars.
5th Royal Irish Lancers.
6th Inniskilling Dragoons.
7th Queen's Own Hussars.
8th King's Royal Irish Hussars.
9th Queen's Royal Lancers.
10th Prince of Wales's Own Royal Hussars.
11th Prince Albert's Own Hussars.
12th Prince of Wales's Royal Lancers.
13th Hussars.
14th King's Hussars.
15th The King's Hussars.
16th The Queen's Lancers.
17th Duke of Cambridge's Own Lancers.
18th Queen Mary's Own Hussars.
19th Queen Alexandra's Own Royal Hussars.
20th Hussars.
21st Empress of India's Lancers.
Royal Artillery.
Royal Engineers.
Guards:
Grenadier Guards.
Coldstream Guards.
Scots Guards.
Irish Guards.
Welsh Guards.
Infantry:
(N.B.—Following each horizontal mark the old regimental nomenclature is appended. It will be seen that in many cases two of the old regiments were joined together to form one of the new.)
- Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment)—1st or Royal Scots.
- Queen's (Royal West Surrey)—2nd or Queen's Royal.
- Buffs (East Kent)—3rd East Kent.
- King's Own (Royal Lancaster)—4th or King's Own.
- Northumberland Fusiliers—5th or Northumberland Foot Regiment.
- Royal Warwickshire Regiment—6th or 1st Warwickshire Foot Regiment.
- Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)—7th Regiment of Foot or Royal Fuzileers.[1]
- [1] The old spelling is retained.
- King's (Liverpool Regiment)—8th or King's Regiment.
- Norfolk Regiment—9th East Norfolk.
- Lincolnshire Regiment—10th North Lincolnshire.
- Devonshire Regiment—11th North Devonshire.
- Suffolk Regiment—12th or East Suffolk.
- Prince Albert's (Somersetshire Light Infantry)—13th or 1st Somersetshire.
- Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)—14th or Buckinghamshire Regiment.
- East Yorkshire Regiment—15th Yorkshire (East Riding).
- Bedfordshire Regiment—16th or Bedfordshire Regiment.
- Leicestershire Regiment—17th or Leicestershire Regiment.
- Royal Irish Regiment—18th or Royal Irish Regiment.
- Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment)—19th or 1st Yorkshire (North Riding).
- Lancashire Fusiliers—20th or East Devonshire.
- Royal Scots Fusiliers—21st or Royal North British Fuzileers.
- Cheshire Regiment—22nd or Cheshire Regiment.
- Royal Welsh Fusiliers—23rd or Royal Welsh Fuzileers.
- South Wales Borderers—24th or Warwickshire Regiment.
- King's Own Scottish Borderers—25th or King's Own Borderers.
- Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)—26th or Cameronians; also Perthshire Volunteers.
- Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers—27th or Inniskilling Regiment.
- Gloucestershire Regiment—28th or North Gloucestershire; also 61st or South Gloucestershire.
- Worcestershire Regiment—29th Worcestershire; also 36th or Herefordshire.
- East Lancashire Regiment—30th or Cambridgeshire Regiment; also 59th or 2nd Nottinghamshire Regiment.
- East Surrey Regiment—31st or Huntingdonshire Regiment; also 70th or Glasgow Lowland Regiment.
- Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry—32nd or Cornwall Regiment; also 46th or South Devonshire Regiment.
- Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)—76th Regiment; also 33rd or 1st Yorkshire (West Riding Regiment).
- (This is the only regiment named after a person not of royal blood.)
- Border Regiment—34th or Cumberland; also 55th or Westmoreland Regiment.
- Royal Sussex Regiment—35th or Sussex Regiment.
- Hampshire Regiment—37th or North Hampshire; also 67th or South Hampshire.
- South Staffordshire Regiment—38th or 1st Staffordshire; also 80th or Staffordshire Volunteers.
- Dorsetshire Regiment—39th Dorsetshire; also 54th or West Norfolk.
- Prince of Wales's Volunteers (South Lancashire Regiment)—40th or 2nd Somersetshire; also 82nd Regiment.
- Welsh Regiment—41st Regiment of Foot; also 69th or South Lincolnshire.
- Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)—42nd or Royal Highland Regiment; also 73rd Highland Regiment.
- Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry—43rd or Monmouthshire
- Regiment; also 52nd or Oxfordshire Regiment.
- Essex Regiment—44th or East Essex; also 56th or West Essex Regiment.
- Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment)—45th or Nottinghamshire.
- Loyal North Lancashire Regiment—47th or Lancashire Regiment; also 81st Regiment.
- Northamptonshire Regiment—48th Northamptonshire; also 58th Rutlandshire.
- Princess Charlotte of Wales's (Royal Berkshire Regiment)—49th or Hertfordshire Regiment; also 66th or Berkshire Regiment.
- Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment)—50th or West Kent; also 97th or Queen's Own Regiment.
- King's Own (Yorkshire Light Infantry)—51st or 2nd Yorkshire (West Riding).
- King's (Shropshire Light Infantry)—53rd or Shropshire Regiment; also Bucks Volunteers.
- Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment)—57th or West Middlesex; also 77th or East Middlesex.
- King's Royal Rifle Corps—60th or Royal American Regiment.
- Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire Regiment)—62nd or Wilts Regiment; also Prince of Wales's Tipperary Regiment.
- Manchester Regiment—63rd or West Suffolk; also 96th Regiment.
- Prince of Wales's (North Staffordshire Regiment)—64th or 2nd Staffordshire; also 98th Regiment
- York and Lancaster Regiment—65th or 2nd Yorkshire North Riding Regiment; also 84th York and Lancaster Regiment.
- Durham Light Infantry—68th or Durham Regiment.
- Highland Light Infantry—71st and 74th Highland Regiment.
- Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs, The Duke of Albany's)—72nd; also 78th Highland Regiment.
- Gordon Highlanders—75th Highland Regiment; also 92nd Regiment.
- Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders—79th Regiment of Cameron Highlanders.
- Royal Irish Rifles—83rd Regiment; also Royal County Down Regiment.
- Princess Victoria's (Royal Irish Fusiliers)—87th or Prince of Wales's Own Irish Regiment; also 89th Regiment.
- Connaught Rangers—88th Regiment or Connaught Rangers; also 94th Regiment.
- Princess Louise's (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders)—91st Regiment; also 93rd Regiment.
- Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians)—100th or His Royal Highness the Prince Regent's County of Dublin Regiment.
- Royal Munster Fusiliers—101st or Duke of York's Irish Regiment; also 104th Regiment.
- Royal Dublin Fusiliers—102nd Regiment.
- Rifle Brigade—95th Regiment.
Other Units:
Royal Marine Artillery.
Royal Marine Infantry.
Army Service Corps.
Royal Army Medical Corps.
Army Veterinary Corps.
Army Ordnance Corps.
Army Pay Corps.
BADGE OF THE QUEEN'S (ROYAL WEST SURREY REGIMENT) 2ND FOOT.
BADGE OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S (WILTSHIRE REGIMENT).
BADGE OF THE KING'S (LIVERPOOL REGIMENT).
BADGE OF THE ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE REGIMENT.
CHAPTER III
REGIMENTAL CRESTS
The fascination of regimental crests—How to plan a collection of crests—The changes which crests undergo—The meaning of crests—Mottoes on crests, and their meanings
The crest or badge worn by a soldier is probably one of his most cherished possessions, for it is at once the symbol of his regiment and the mascot which urges him on to fame and victory. It is but little wonder, then, that such emblems, so jealously preserved, should prove of deep interest to the collector of military curios.
In our own case, and we suppose it was much the same in those of our readers, army crests fascinated us long before we had a clear perception of what an army really was. In our early school-days, buttons bearing the various regimental devices attracted us; later our collection extended a welcome to cap-badges whilst to-day it contains such treasures as the crests on waist-belts, crossbelt-plates, helmets, collar-plates, and even those on the metal flaps of sabretaches.
A collection of regimental badges should be planned on scientific lines, otherwise the treasured possessions will lose much of their interest. In the first place, the various specimens should be classified: buttons should be arranged in one group, cap-badges in another, belt-plates in another, and so on.
The second grouping should be based upon the standing of the regimental unit. All the buttons worn by the regular army, for instance, should be placed in one sub-division; all those of the territorial army in another; and, as obsolete specimens are still procurable, sub-divisions should be reserved for the volunteer force, the old militia, and special forces which have been raised on special occasions.
Of course the badges should be arranged according to the precedence accorded to the regiments for which they stand; thus, in the case of the regular army, the Household Cavalry should receive priority and be followed by the Dragoon Guards; then the Cavalry of the Line should take third place, whilst the fourth and fifth places should be given to the Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers. The Guards should be placed sixth, and the Infantry of the Line seventh. Badges of each of these divisions should then be arranged according to the seniority of the regiment. The Army List and the chapter on "Regimental Nomenclature" will give valuable help on this point. Finally, where regiments possess various badges for the different companies, these must be arranged in numerical order.
In planning a collection, it is well to remember that badges are constantly changing their patterns, not in fundamental ways, it is true, but in ways which are quite sufficient to add zest to the hobby of collecting. Battle honours, for instance, have been frequently added in the past, whilst many changes are sure to take place in the future, on this score alone, as a result of the great war with Germany. After the Boer War, additions were made to the scrolls which encircle many regimental badges, and the same may be said of the Peninsular, Marlborough's wars, and every great campaign in which the British Army has figured. Thus it is clear that a collection of devices such as we have here in mind is full of interest, not only from the military and antiquarian but also the historical point of view.
BADGE OF THE ROYAL DUBLIN FUSILIERS.
BADGE OF THE ROYAL FUSILIERS (CITY OF LONDON REGIMENT).
BADGE OF THE SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS (5TH BATTALION).
BADGE OF THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY.
In addition to the gradual changes which have arisen, it must be mentioned that in 1881 the names of many regiments underwent changes and the badges suffered material alterations in consequence. Before the year in question, each army unit was known by its number and the crests bore distinguishing numerals. Thus the Wiltshire badge, which to-day depicts the Duke of Edinburgh's monogram within a circle, bore the figures "62" instead up till 1881. The collector will find these early devices of much interest, but, as a rule, they are fairly hard to obtain.
Unless the collector has ideas of his own as to how the badges should be mounted, it will be a capital plan to cover a board with black velvet and pin the medal emblems to it. When complete, the board should be framed with a moulding having a fairly deep rebate. The effect will be pleasing; the frame can be used as a wall ornamentation, and, what is most important, the badges themselves will be protected, as far as possible, from the deteriorating influences of the atmosphere.
A study of the designs given on the crests forms, of course, an interesting pastime. Probably the first point which the student will notice is that certain specimens bear the King's sign—e.g. the King's Dragoon Guards and the Grenadier Guards—consequently, all such badges must inevitably suffer alteration on the demise of the reigning sovereign.
All royal regiments, with a single exception, bear the royal crown, though crowns of various types are borne by other units than royal ones.
Light infantry regiments invariably display a horn.
Grenades form part of the devices worn by the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Artillery, and the Fusilier regiments.
Most of the Irish units display the harp, and the Welsh the dragon, but in connection with this latter class, it must be mentioned that the Buffs (East Kent) are also proud of a dragon; this, however, was given them for services rendered in China.
Britannia, one of our most cherished allegorical figures, is seen on but a single crest: that of the Norfolks. It was awarded to this unit for gallantry at Almanza in 1707. The Spaniards in the Peninsular War nicknamed the men of this regiment the "Holy Boys," as they mistook the figure of Britannia for that of the Virgin Mary.
A castle and key figure on many regimental devices. All those which display them fought at Gibraltar and received permission to incorporate these objects in their crest in memory of the services which they performed there.
A striped rose forms part of a great many badges. It is a sign of the union after the War of the Roses.
Animals are favourite emblems. The lion, the symbol of our island race, naturally figures most frequently, but elephants, horses, tigers, and stags are great favourites.
It is not always possible to tell why such and such a regiment has chosen a particular animal for incorporation in its device, but, more often than not, the design may be traced back to the family escutcheon of a nobleman who had some hand in raising the unit. A case in point is the cat encircled by the motto Sans Peur, which the men of the 5th battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders wear on their caps. This creature has long ornamented the crest of the House of Sutherland, and the Sutherlands claim guardianship over this particular unit.
In other cases, an animal has been selected because it is specially appropriate. For instance, the Sherwood Foresters, soldiers who recall Robin Hood and the good old-fashioned chase, display an ambling stag, whilst regiments associated with long service in India have adopted an elephant or tiger.
But the most appropriate badge of all is that worn by the Royal Army Medical Corps. In this instance, we have a snake coiled around a rod. The snake, as every reader knows, was the particular mascot carried by Æsculapius, the god of healing, whilst the same reptile was used by Moses in the Wilderness to free the Children of Israel from the ailments which proved so troublesome to them.
The fleeting horse, borne by the King's Own Hussars, the Fifth Dragoon Guards, and the Royal Fusiliers, is the white horse of Hanover, and was incorporated in the crests to remind us of services rendered against the Jacobites.
The Paschal lamb on the "Queen's" was the badge of Catherine of Braganza, wife of Charles II.
The sphinx, as every one knows, indicates special services in Egypt.
The mottoes incorporated in certain of the regimental crests are not without interest. The following, with their English equivalents, are worth noting:—
Pro rege et patria—For King and country.
Quis separabit?—Who shall separate?
Quo fata vocant—Whither fate calls.
Spectemur agendo—Let us be judged by our actions.
Nemo me impune lacessit—No one provokes me with impunity.
Nec aspera terrent—Difficulties do not terrify us.
Mente et manu—With mind and hand.
Pristinæ virtutis memores—The memory of former valour.
Viret in æternum—Flourishes for ever.
Quo fas et gloria ducunt—Where right and glory lead.
Vel exuviæ triumphant—Arms surely triumphant.
Semper fidelis—Always faithful.
Virtutis namurcensis præmium—The reward of valour at Namur.
Omnia audax—To dare all.
Nisi Dominus frustra—Without God, it is vain.
Virtutis fortuna comes—Fortune the friend of valour.
Primus in Indis—First in the Indies.
Gwell angau na chyurlydd—Rather death than shame.
Aucto splendore resurgo—I rise with increased splendour.
Celer et audax—Swift and bold.
Cuidich'n Righ—Assist the King.
Faugh-a-ballach—Clear the way.
In arduis fidelis—In danger, faithful.
SOME REGIMENTAL BUTTONS.
CHAPTER IV
MILITARY UNIFORMS
The growth of uniforms—The effect of the decline in armour on uniforms—The part played by Elizabeth—Uniforms in the time of the Civil War—In Charles II's reign—James II—The first two Georges—Uniforms in the Peninsular War—The close-fitting uniforms of George IV—The changes which were brought about in William IV's time—Later changes—Peculiarities of the military dress of to-day
One of the most interesting tasks which the collector of military curios can set himself is to trace out, by all available means, the growth of army uniforms from earliest times to the present day. In prosecuting such self-imposed work, the sources of information which will have to be studied are almost without limit, ranging from contemporary drawings, prints, statues, the writings of such chroniclers as Stowe, to, of course, the actual uniforms themselves. Our knowledge of the metamorphoses of military dress is very imperfect, and this research work will be all the more valuable in consequence.
At first thought it is a little surprising to learn that the earliest official mention of a distinguishing uniform for English soldiers occurs among the Ordinances of Henry VIII, but when we consider that armour in various styles was largely used until Tudor times, the fact is not so striking. Isolated instances of uniformed soldiers can be traced before this period; Hannibal, we know, raised the famous white and crimson Spanish regiments, and then, of course, there were the Crusaders, who wore the ordinary clothes of the times, ornamented with crosses of distinctive colours.
With the decline of armour, retainers went into battle robed in the cloth liveries of their masters, whilst the mercenaries wore the usual dress of civilians. The drawback to such an arrangement was obvious. Men could never tell who were their friends and who their foes, and unnecessary slaughter was consequently committed. It was not long before leaders provided their followers with scarves of distinctive colours; sometimes they were appropriately chosen, at others they were merely distinctive. But even this plan gave little satisfaction, for our history books of the period are crowded with tales of men who donned the enemy's colours and were thus able to surprise their opponents.
A HORSE AMULET BEARING THE DEVICE OF THE ROYAL FUSILIERS.
HELMET PLATE OF THE ROYAL MARINE LIGHT INFANTRY.
As a result of these conditions, Henry VIII decided to clothe some, at least, of his soldiers in distinctive uniforms; he selected white coats emblazoned with the red cross of St. George. Speaking of other soldiers of this reign, probably later levies, Stubbs remarks that the doublets which they wore "reached down to the middle of the thighs, though not always quite so low, being so hard quilted, stuffed, bombasted, and sewed as they can neither work nor yet well play in them, through the excessive heat and the stiffness thereof. Therefore are they forced to wear them loose about them. They are stuffed with four, five, or six pounds of bombast at the least, and made of satin, taffeta, silk, grograine, gold, silver, and what not." From the antiquarian's point of view this dress must have indeed proved attractive, though the soldier of to-day will hardly recognize any redeeming features in it.
Elizabeth, as all students of history know, paid great attention to dress; not only in matters concerning her own person, but also in those affecting her Court and followers. Accordingly, we find that a decree, ordering a body of Lancashire men to be raised for service in Ireland, stated that "the soldiers shall be given convenient doublets and hose and also a cassock of some motley or other sad green colour or russet; also every soldier to have five shillings to provide a mantle in Ireland besides his livery coat."
Another interesting quotation, taken from Lawrence Archer's "British Army Records," mentions Sir John Harrington as stating that an officer's kit in Elizabeth's time consisted of—
1 cassock of broad cloth.
1 canvass doublet with silk lining and buttons.
2 shirts.
2 bands.
3 pairs of stockings at 2s. 6d. each.
3 pairs of shoes.
1 pair of Venetians with silver lace (i.e. trousers).
When the Civil War broke out, the Royalists or Cavaliers wore a very picturesque though hardly serviceable uniform; it consisted of a doublet of silk, satin, or velvet with large loose sleeves slashed up the front, the collar covered by a falling band of lace, whilst a short cloak was carelessly worn on one shoulder. Long breeches tucked into boots, the uppers of which were loose and curled over,[2] added to the picturesque appearance of the warriors. A Flemish beaver, with a distinctive hatband and an elaborate feather, was the usual headgear. The silk doublet, it should be added, was often replaced by a buff coat in war-time.
[2] Apparently this slovenly looking boot was used in order to prevent the leg from being crushed in a battle charge.
The Commonwealth, of course, brought sober clothing which, at least, was more protective and useful than that associated with the Tudor and Stuart periods.
In Charles II's time the military uniform, as we know it to-day, began to materialize. It is true that during the early part of Charles's reign the soldiers wore the pre-Commonwealth styles, but when the King began to form certain regiments, which still exist at the present moment, a need for definite uniforms became manifest. Thus, in 1661, the Earl of Oxford raised the Horse Guards and provided them with a picturesque blue uniform, and in 1665 the Third Buffs was formed and soon earned for itself this distinctive name as its accoutrements were fashioned from buffalo leather.
James II introduced few changes. It is worth mentioning, however, that wigs became fashionable in this period, and large hats adorned with waving feathers were worn to suit the style of coiffure. Sewn into the crown of these hats, skull caps made of iron were frequently found.
In 1695, according to a contemporary authority, the coats and breeches of the sergeants and ordinary soldiers were, in most cases, grey, whilst the coats of drummer boys were purple. The shape of these costumes followed the civilian styles of the period.
When Anne came to the throne, armour which had not been entirely abolished completely died out, and the foot soldiers wore a comfortable scarlet coat with distinctive facings, a cocked hat, breeches, and long black gaiters reaching just above the knees, with a strap below the knee to hold them in position. The cavalry also wore a cocked hat and large boots. Some officers wore a wide-brimmed hat, turned up on two sides and decked with gay feathers.[3]
[3] Luard, "A History of the Dress of the British Soldier," p. 94.
The first two Georges introduced many ideas from abroad, the most striking of which was the mitre helmet, worn even to-day by certain Central European regiments. The men who were provided with this headgear were certainly picturesque in appearance; the Royal Fusiliers, for instance, wore a high mitred helmet, elaborately ornamented with regimental devices, a long tail coat, buttoned back at the front in a way which is reminiscent of the present French infantry, knee breeches, cloth leggings, and a plain bandolier carrying a bag, much after the fashion of a sabretache. With the exception of his hat, which was clumsy and gave no protection either against weather or onslaughts, his uniform was comfortable though weighty.
George III discarded the low boots and leggings for knee-boots, but these were soon given up for low boots and long trousers. The buttons on the uniform of the Heavy Dragoons, also, were replaced by hooks and eyes, whilst the Light Dragoons lost nearly all theirs. In addition, their helmet was replaced by a felt shako. Curiously enough, the Hussar, who wore five rows of heavy buttons on his jacket and five more rows on the little pelisse which he slung loosely over his left arm, was allowed to keep all his cumbersome ornamentation.
The Peninsular War brought many changes, but these were more variations of the set styles than complete alterations in shapes and colours, probably the result of requiring large quantities of outfits for the war, in the quickest possible time. Luard, writing of this period, says[4]: "The officers of the Army of the Peninsula ran into great extremes of fashion; and as there was a difficulty, frequently, in procuring articles of dress exactly according to regulations, considerable latitude was of necessity granted. An officer of the 4th Dragoons, who was very fond of being gaily dressed, was always searching for silver lace, and whenever he went into a town and returned to the camp, on being questioned regarding what articles of food were to be procured, invariably answered: 'I don't know, but I found some silver lace.'"
[4] Luard, "A History of the Dress of the British Soldier," p. 102.
Directly following the Napoleonic Wars it was felt prudent for the sake of peace to garrison a British Army of Occupation in France. Four cavalry regiments crossed the Channel, the 9th, 12th, 16th, and 23rd Light Dragoons being selected.
The dress which these soldiers wore was a jacket similar to that of the ordinary Light Dragoons, but with the addition, for the officers, of an embroidered cuff and collar, a pair of enormous epaulettes, and an aiguillette. The cap was very high with a square top, made of cane covered with cloth of the colour of the facings of the regiment, a brass plate in front and a plume at the top of it. The privates' dress corresponded to that of the officers, but brass scales were worn on the shoulders instead of epaulettes. The Cossack shape of trousers was worn by the officers, very full around the waist but gradually tapering down to the foot.[5]
[5] Luard, "A History of the Dress of the British Soldier," p. 106.
George IV, as is popularly known, gave much thought to matters of dress. He held that wrinkles in a uniform entirely spoiled all appearance of correct military bearing. The soldiers of his time were therefore expected to put on their clothes and have all fullness cut out. Luard says that the consequence was that the coats of the privates, as well as those of the officers, were made so tight that freedom of action was much restricted, and the infantry could with difficulty handle their muskets, whilst the cavalry could scarcely do sword exercise.
There is no doubt that, though the uniforms of this date were uncomfortable, they were of a smart and attractive appearance. The officers in the Rifle Corps, for instance, wore a tight-fitting green outfit with silver facings, relieved by a bright scarlet belt. The boots were of black leather, and reached almost up to the knees. The hat was somewhat like the Highland bonnets of to-day. The officers in the 10th Hussars were a trifle more showy in appearance. They had a blue coat with gilt-braided plastron, and a pelisse on the left arm. The trousers were red and skin-tight, and fastened under the instep to keep them from creeping up the leg. The hat was a shako surmounted by a large dark plume. In the 1st Foot Guards the officer's coat was red, and had tails; there were epaulettes on the shoulders and a white bandolier across the breast. The hat was a high-decked shako of glossy material.
William IV's reign was marked by the rise and subsequent decline of enormous bear-skins. William also decreed that the whole of the Army, with the exception of the artillery and riflemen, should be dressed in scarlet, the national colour.
When Victoria came to the throne she restored the blue dress to the Light Dragoons, but not to the Lancers nor to the 16th Regiment. The Household Cavalry were given helmets with weeping plumes fixed to the apexes. A little later "pill-boxes" became fashionable amongst the majority of the regiments.
In 1881 most of the distinctive and, in many cases, historic facings were taken from the various regiments, and blue was given to the Royal regiments and white to the others. The change seems to us, who look at the matter in the light of the antiquarian and historian, as a retrograde one, which should be deprecated in every way.
To-day all the regiments of the regular British Army wear scarlet uniforms, with the following exceptions:—
1. Blue Uniforms—Royal Horse Guards; 6th Dragoon Guards; King's Own Hussars; Queen's Own Hussars; Royal Irish Lancers; King's Irish Hussars; Queen's Royal Lancers; Prince of Wales's Own Hussars; Prince Albert's Own Hussars; Prince of Wales's Royal Lancers; 13th, 14th, 15th, 18th, 19th, and 20th Hussars; 17th and 21st Lancers; Royal Artillery; Royal Marine Infantry; Army Service Corps; Royal Army Medical Corps; Army Veterinary Corps; Army Ordnance Corps; Army Pay Corps.
2. Green Uniforms—Cameronians; King's Royal Rifle Corps; Royal Irish Rifles; Rifle Brigade.
In the above notes we have merely given a rough sketch of the growth of the military uniform as it has affected the British soldier. To elaborate this information by tracing the various changes, both great and small, which have been applied to army clothing is a work of intense interest and historical value. The task is best undertaken by the curio collector, who can build up the necessary knowledge from his self-made collection of military prints, illustrated books, photographs, and actual uniforms. We do not suggest that any one reader should undertake the whole task himself; it is far better to select a particular regiment or a class of regiment, or even a particular article of dress, and trace its history with minute precision. The results achieved in this way would indeed prove valuable.
Before concluding this chapter the following questions bearing on military dress may prove of interest; they are typical of the thousand and one queries which the student should ask himself:—
1. Why do the drummers in the Guards wear fleurs-de-lys on their tunics?
2. Which regiments still wear black in memory of Wolfe?
3. Why do the Northumberland Fusiliers wear a red and white feather hackle in their caps?
4. Why does the Gloucester Regiment wear a badge on both the back and front of their hats?
5. Why has the "flash" survived with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers?
6. Why does the privilege exist with the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry of wearing shirt collars with the uniform?
A SLEEVE FROM A COAT OF THE OLD 2ND (SOUTH MIDDLESEX) VOLUNTEER REGIMENT.
A BELT BUCKLE FROM THE SAME REGIMENT.
CHAPTER V
ARMOUR
The scarcity of good armour—Considerations for the collector—Counterfeit armour—The twelve periods in armour—The characteristics of each period—Glossary
There is much that is fascinating in the study of armour, and the seeker after military curios will do well to consider the advisability of making a collection of armour pieces. In praise of this particular form of treasure-hunting we could write a good deal, but, as space is necessarily limited, it will be wise to content ourselves, at the outset, with stating the drawbacks rather than the advantages which attend this hobby.
In the first case, really good complete suits of period armour are scarce, and consequently command enormous sums. Of course there is no reason why detached pieces should not be collected: these can be obtained freely and at reasonable prices. Probably the best bargains are to be had at country-house sales, where the specimens are not sufficiently numerous to warrant the attendance of London dealers. But the smaller bric-à-brac shops, especially those off the beaten track, often contain oddments which may be picked up at tempting prices.
The second drawback concerns questions of space. Armour collecting takes up a good deal of room and, in these days of small suburban houses and town flats, it is not every one who can house such treasures without causing them untold damage.
The third point is the most serious of all; it may be stated briefly. There are so many dangerous forgeries to be met with that the untutored collector may become bewildered and so lose his love for the hobby.
Upon the Continent there are thriving factories where armour, of the rarest kinds, is imitated, not for sale as reproductions but in order to cheat the uninitiated. The antique appearance is imparted to the bright metal surfaces by artfully smearing with lithographic ink and then dabbing with muriatic acid. The ink protects the parts which it covers from the corrosive action of the acid, and when the metal is subsequently washed and greased it has the exact appearance of an aged piece of armour, eaten and worn by time. How is the amateur to detect such worthless specimens when he runs across them?
Under the title of "Forgeries that were not Forged," The Connoisseur,[6] a few years ago, made some very pertinent remarks on this subject. "Foreign museums are not entirely free from the presence of forgeries," the article began; "in Paris may be seen suits and parts of suits which will not satisfy the connoisseur in the matter of freedom from faking. At Berlin at least one suit will strike the observer as decidedly not what it claims to be. At Stockholm, among the interesting objects in the Lifrustkammer are many pieces which one regrets are not real. And if in public collections many pieces arouse scepticism, how much more so is it the case with private collections, where all the geese are swans.
[6] May 1901, p. 36.
"In the Tower of London, on the upper shelf of one of the cases, is a row of helms and helmets described as copies or trophy work. These certainly exemplify the expression 'forgeries that were not forged.' They were bought for the National Collection between the years 1851 and 1858, and were then no doubt considered valuable examples of ancient armour. One, indeed, figured at Manchester in 1857 among the treasures of art. In them we may observe every rule of the construction of real armour violated, and further insulted by artificial rust and injuries.
"It may be asked, in the words of the song, 'How shall I my true love know?' and seeing how much more trouble is taken to deceive than to detect deceit, it is difficult to lay down any complete system of defence for the collector from the ever-increasing attacks of the forger." It is certain, however, that the best way of detecting forgeries is to get acquainted with the styles of armour that were worn at certain periods, to find out what processes were available for constructing the armour at these periods, what uses each section of the armour was put to, and how it was fitted on to the rest of the suit.
Of course, a good deal may be learnt from visits to public collections. The uninitiated collector is, therefore, advised to study the specimens shown in the Tower, the Royal United Service Museum, the Wallace Collection, and the Rotunda at Woolwich. On the Continent there are many fine displays, not only of armour but also of weapons, notably at the Musée d'Artillerie, Paris, the Industrial Museum of Vienna, the Copenhagen National Museum, and the Rijks Museum at Amsterdam. These are all well worth inspecting.
Having discussed matters concerned with the collecting of armour, we will now turn to questions relating to the actual armour itself.
Armour may be conveniently divided into twelve periods, as follows[7]:—
- Pre-Norman.
- Norman period to 1180.
- The Chain Mail Period, 1180-1250.
- Chain Mail Reinforced, 1250-1325.
- The Cyclas Period, 1325-35.
- The Studded and Splintered Armour Period, 1335-60.
- The Camail and Jupon Period, 1360-1410.
- The Surcoatless Period, 1410-30.
- The Tabard Period, 1430-1500.
- The Transition Period, 1500-25.
- Maximilian Armour, 1525-1600.
- The Half-Armour Period, after 1600.
[7] There are various ways of classifying armour, but we have here followed (Class I excepted) Ashdown in "British and Foreign Arms and Armour."
ARMOUR HEADGEAR.
The Pre-Norman Period is, in reality, composed of a number of preparatory eras which paved the way for the Norman period, the first to use complete suits of protective covering. The Greeks with their Bœotian helms and cuirasses, the Romans with their "skullcap" helmets, the Saxons and Danes with their head, chest, and leg coverings, all led up to the armour as we see it depicted by the Bayeux Tapestry. This period is of little interest to collectors, as specimens are quite unobtainable.
The Norman Period introduced the peculiar but distinctive helmet, conical in shape and provided with a nose protection or "nasal." The body covering was worn from head to toes, the feet and legs being enveloped in "chausses" made of a pliable substance provided with a generous supply of metal studs. The shield was, of course, an important feature of the Norman dress; it was more or less heart-shaped, and bent so as to fit round the body.
The Chain Mail Period.—Between 1180 and 1250 the armour suit underwent considerable changes. The Norman conical helmet gave place to the heaume, which usually had a flat surface, squared at the top, curved lines under the chin, and peepholes or ocularia in front. A surcoat or tunic, without sleeves, which was fitted over the usual armour, was also a feature of this era. But, of course, the introduction of chain mail was the outstanding point of interest.
Chain Mail Reinforced.—This period saw the gradual introduction of heaumes with curved crowns, often bearing ornamental devices, or ailettes to protect the shoulders and neck, of banded mail, and of chain mail reinforced with sections of plate.
The Cyclas Period.—"Probably at no time in the history of defensive armour," says Ashdown,[8] "has it presented a more picturesque appearance than during the brief ten years of the Cyclas Period. Fitting closely to the figure, the various garments followed the outlines of the human form, and in no parts showed any marked peculiarities or eccentricities. The evolution of the style was undoubtedly derived from the experience gained during the Chain Mail Period, when that defence was proved to be ineffectual against the terrible effects of lance and sword. Both of these weapons, even if they did not actually pierce the mail, either bruised the body or broke bones, and thereby incapacitated the wearer; while the protection afforded by the loosely hanging folds of the surcoat of previous periods, especially against sword-cuts, had been duly noted. Hence, during the Cyclas Period we meet with the introduction of multitudinous coverings, whereby the lance, the sword, and the arrow were opposed by plate and mail, and by various padded garments of a textile nature."
[8] "British and Foreign Arms and Armour," p. 139.
A FLINT-LOCK PISTOL.
THE ACTION PART OF THE ABOVE.
The Studded and Splintered Armour Period.—This form of armour directly owes its introduction to the conflicts between the English and French, and the ideas for improvement which were prompted by actual experience on the battlefield. The style was none other than a piecing together of the best features of chain mail, plate, and cuir-bouilli. The bascinets of this time were unusual, having much the appearance of metal hoods, provided or not provided with visors. The surcoat and the chausses were essential features of the period.
The Camail and Jupon Period.—This is probably one of the most interesting and picturesque periods in the history of armour. The headgear was usually pointed and fitted down closely over the ears, but left the face free. Laced to the helmet and falling over the shoulders was a plastron of camail which protected the throat and neck from violence. The jupon was a garment which covered the body from the camail to just above the knees. It consisted of whatever material the wearer thought was the most impervious to blows, with, usually, a velvet covering, embroidered with a heraldic device.
The Surcoatless Period is easily recognized, as it was the earliest period in which a full set of armour was worn with no textile covering placed over it.[9] A feature of note was the loss of the camail throat-guard and the introduction of a light sheet-metal gorget. The camail was, undoubtedly, an efficient safeguard, but it was extremely weighty and so caused much inconvenience to the wearer.
[9] Ashdown, "British and Foreign Arms and Armour," p. 194.
The Tabard Period saw the introduction of many changes, which had for their object the greater protection of the armoured soldier; but the most distinguishing feature was the arrival of the tabard, a kind of sleeved surcoat, which covered the wearer down to the knees. It was of no fighting value, but gave dignity to those who displayed it. The salade also belongs to this period, both those with and those without visors, as well as the pauldron, a protection for the elbow, and the palette, which shielded the underneath portion of the shoulder-joint.
The Transition Period brought helmets which, by reason of their movable visors, cheek-pieces, and mentonnières, gave greater safety to the head. But the period is more readily distinguished by the mail skirt, which was worn suspended from the waist. Of this period Ashdown writes: "Very important alterations occurred in armour of this period, differentiating it from that of the preceding. The great pauldrons, exaggerated coudières, and general angularity, and one might almost say prickliness, of the later Tabard Period was modified to a smoother and rounder style, while it lost entirely that remarkable beauty of form which, however much distorted by fanciful additions, characterized the Gothic armour as a whole. The beautiful flutings and ornamental curves disappeared to make way for a heavy, cumbersome style indicative of German stolidity, and in direct antagonism to the mobile quickness and agility suggested by the majority of suits dating from the latter half of the previous century."[10]
[10] "British and Foreign Arms and Armour," p. 270.
Maximilian Armour.—With the gradual employment of gunpowder even the best kinds of armour lost their military value, and, consequently, the sixteenth century saw a decline in the use of steel suits for purposes of warfare. There was no reason, however, why steel-clad men should not continue to be seen at tilting tournaments, even though the arquebus had proved its value in dealing death and destruction. Consequently we find that armour was still used during this century at these functions of chivalry, and it was the kind favoured by Emperor Maximilian which was mostly worn—hence the name. Its outstanding features were excessive ornamentation and artistic finish.
The Half-Armour Period.—This is the period during which steel dress was gradually dying out. "The period exhibits a brutal strength and crudity in armour which forcibly suggests boiler-plate work. The defences were simply made to cover the vital parts of the body with the maximum amount of efficiency, without any consideration whatever for gracefulness of outline or beauty of surface."[11] The metal covering of these times was obviously fashioned with the idea of making a compromise between protection and mobility, and it gradually dwindled until the head alone was safeguarded.
[11] Ashdown, "British and Foreign Arms and Armour," p. 313.
So passed away the armour which, as James I once said, was a very useful invention, for it saved not only the wearer from being killed, but it was so hampering that it prevented him from killing any one else.
Many technical terms are used in armoury which need explaining. The following are those which occur most frequently:—
Barded.—A horse fully armoured.
Bascinet.—A helmet which protected the back of the head and neck.
Brassarts.—Plate armour for the upper part of the arm, reaching from the shoulder to the elbow, sometimes in a single piece, sometimes in a series of overlapping plates.
Brigandine.—Armour worn at one time by brigands—hence the name. It consisted of a foundation of quilted leather, upon which was sewn a number of small metal plates, and thus formed a good defence for the body against the sword and the pike.
Burgonet.—A fifteenth-century helmet, usually round to fit the head, but provided with a peak to protect the eyes.
Cabasset.—Like the morion, it was a simple metal hat with a dome-shaped crown and a brim. It had no visor, gorget, neck-guard, etc.
Chain Mail.—A covering which consisted of an endless number of rings laced one into the other. Each ring had four others threaded into it. The individual rings were known as "grains d'orge."
Chamfrien.—The metal covering for a horse's face; often provided with a spike.
Chausses.—The metal leggings used in armour.
Corslet.—A suit of armour worn chiefly by pikemen. The word was used, not only to denote the body covering but the whole outfit from head to knees.
Coudière.—An elbow guard.
Crinière.—A number of plates hooked together to guard a horse's neck; it rested on the mane.
Cuirass.—Armour for the breast and back, consisting of two plates united at the sides of the body. They were originally fashioned out of leather (cuir = leather).
Espalière.—Covering for the shoulders and the upper part of the arm.
Gauntlet.—The protection used for covering the hands.
Genouillière.—Flexible knee pieces with joints reminiscent of those possessed by lobsters.
Gorget.—A protection for the throat; it also sustained the weight of the whole armour outfit.
Greeves.—Plate armour for the legs.
Haubergeon.—A coat made probably of plate or chain mail but without sleeves.
Hauberk.—This was a complete covering of mail from head to foot, consisting of a hood joined to a jacket, with sleeves, breeches, stockings, and shoes of double chain mail, to which were added gauntlets.
Heaume.—A head covering, introduced in the Chain-mail period. (See p. 75).
Hufden.—A head piece which fitted closely round the skull; it was worn by archers in Queen Elizabeth's time.
Jazeran.—A hauberk which was covered with overlapping plates.
Mentonnière.—A portion of the head piece which protected the chin and the lower part of the face.
Morion.—See Cabasset.
Ocularium.—The peep-hole of the helmet.
Palette.—A shield or covering used to protect the arm and shoulder-joint.
Pauldrons.—Pieces of armour for the shoulders; the origin of epaulettes.
Plate mail.—This consisted of a number of small lamenæ of metal, commonly iron, which were so arranged as to slightly overlap like the scales of a fish. Usually a leather foundation was provided.
Poitrinal.—The covering for a horse's hindquarters; a guard against sword slashes.
Pot.—A cabasset or morion.
Rerebrace.—A protection for the part between the elbows and shoulders.
Rondelle.—A guard for the inner side of the arm which wields the weapon.
Salade.—A light casque, sometimes provided with a visor, but without crest.
Sollerets.—Overlapping plates which formed the shoe of an armed knight. Cf. Chausses.
Tapul.—The perpendicular ridge down the middle of a breastplate.
Targe.—A shield.
Tassets.—A series of flexible plates hooked to the skirt of the cuirass, protecting the thighs.
Visor.—The movable face-guard of a helmet.
THE BARREL OF A GUN ORNAMENTED WITH A TWIN HEAD OF MINERVA.
AN OLD POWDER-FLASK.