Request for Assistance with Uniform Identification

[Walt P]

Hello All,

I'm looking for assistance in identifying the uniform in the attached images. I did a quick search, but to no avail. If it's not Canadian, I will offer it for sale. Cheers,

Walt

[cbuehler]

It is the standard British Hussar OR tunic as worn pre 1914 by all of the regiments other than the 3rd (scarlet) and the 13th (white). The breeches are likewise standard except for the 11th Hussars which wore their famous cherry red.
The collar badges are incorrect and appear to be either Royal Artillery or R. Engineers that someone put on it.
I do not know if any of the Canadian Hussar regiments wore the same uniform as the British.
CB

[Walt P]

Thanks for the courtesy of you reply CB!

Walt

[cbuehler]

Cheers, I forgot to clarify that it was only the collar that the color changed on the 3rd and 13th, not the entire tunic!

CB

[peter monahan]

Originally Posted by cbuehler

It is the standard British Hussar OR tunic as worn pre 1914 by all of the regiments other than the 3rd (scarlet) and the 13th ...
I do not know if any of the Canadian Hussar regiments wore the same uniform as the British.
CB

The 1st Hussars of London, Ontario has a mounted unit, portraying the regiment in 1914-18. A friend of mine, Sgt Steve Hartwick, has a pre-War uniform of that regiment, which he had made for him. As you can see, its very like the British unifrom.

[Walt P]

Wow! Thank you Peter. The uniform in the photo you provided looks exactly like mine (less the artillery collars which are not correct). I would never have guessed that this uniform could possibly have a Canadian connection. There are some faded ink stamps on the linings of tunic & pants which I will try to identify.

I'm curious as to whether the 1st Hussars would have imported their uniforms from Great Britain, or had them tailored here in Canada. Any input would be appreciated. Many thanks again,

Walt

[cbuehler]

In pre ww1 days, most uniforms would have been made in Britain. If you can take a photo of the inside of the tunic showing the lining and sleeves, that will clinch the identification. Also, if you notice the remains of a paper label inside on the lower skirt, that too will made ID definite.

CB

[manchesters]

Originally Posted by Walt P

Wow! Thank you Peter. The uniform in the photo you provided looks exactly like mine (less the artillery collars which are not correct). I would never have guessed that this uniform could possibly have a Canadian connection. There are some faded ink stamps on the linings of tunic & pants which I will try to identify.

I'm curious as to whether the 1st Hussars would have imported their uniforms from Great Britain, or had them tailored here in Canada. Any input would be appreciated. Many thanks again,

Walt

Not exactly the same as the modern one has cream a coloured collar whereas yours has a blue collar.

regards

[Walt P]

Thank you Simon, and all to have contributed to this thread.....not the same as the Canadian uniform. However I do have further info to provide. The buttons are maker marked "SMITH&WRIGHT LTD. B'HAM". I was not able to photo the reverse of the buttons, but have added a few more clues from markings on the liner of the tunic. Please refer to the attached photos for additional information. I have had this in my possession for 40 years & don't know if this may be relevant to the authenticity. I look further to your input! Cheers,

Walt

[cbuehler]

It is definitely a pre ww1 British Hussar uniform. Again, I don't know if any Canadian Hussar regiments wore identical uniforms as to the Imperial at that time.

CB

[Walt P]

Thank you again CB for educating both me, and fellow members of the forum. Although not attributed to a Canadian regiment, to learn that this uniform is authentic is overwhelming! I would appreciate if you are able to provide details of what differentiates my uniform from a reproduction. Cheers,

Walt

[cbuehler]

Originally Posted by Walt P

Thank you again CB for educating both me, and fellow members of the forum. Although not attributed to a Canadian regiment, to learn that this uniform is authentic is overwhelming! I would appreciate if you are able to provide details of what differentiates my uniform from a reproduction. Cheers,

Walt

Just about everything distinguishes your uniform from any sort of repro. Pre war ORs Hussar tunics like yours are actually fairly common and no one could make repro today that comes close to the originals with regard to material and construction. That photo of the re-enactor may good from a distance, but the frogging and other details are not like the originals, which are not made anymore and impossible to obtain.

CB

[Walt P]

Thanks again CB.

Walt

[peter monahan]

Originally Posted by manchesters

Not exactly the same as the modern one has cream a coloured collar whereas yours has a blue collar.

I only meant to suggest, in my post, that it might be Canadian, as our uniforms 'aped' those of Mother England, and in many, perhaps most cases, would have been made there, by British tailors familiar with the styles and with access to the braid and so on - all of which, BTW, still seems to come from Wydean Weaving, whether it is for thew British, Canadian, Indian or Australian armies 'old school' ceremonial garb.

I haven't studied collar and cuff colours in Canada, so can have no opionion on that. Very glad that it turns out to be authentic!