They look like the Rifle Brigade to me, with sergeant major of battalion and QMS of battalion seated centrally, the former with pouch belt, the latter adjacent, both clutching their swords in left hand. I seem to recall that a musketry sergeant instructor wore 4-stripes on the upper arm at that time, so that would be the man far right behind the colour sergeant. This was a feature of all regiments of rifles heritage, both, regulars and volunteers. All the SNCOs dressed as ‘first class’ battalion staff are wearing frogged tunics, as per regulation. We can date the photo to between 1861 when the quilted shako worn was adopted, and 1871, when the sealskin busby replaced it.
Last edited by Toby Purcell; 14-02-20 at 11:36 AM.
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