Interesting Victorian Photo - But What?

[manchesters]

Hello,

This wonderful Victorian CDV was on ebay last week, described as 41st Foot.

It certainly isnt that as he is a member of a Rifle Volunteer Corps as indicated by the efficiency ring on the lower right sleeve, the single musket & stars shooting badge on the other arm and his typical RVC Pouch Belt.

Apart from that I am stumped. A wonderful cap badge and superb arm badges in Black and green cotton possibly with silver highlights indicating an Instructor in Musketry, but again, strangely worn above what I see as only 2 Chevrons of a Corporal. Such badges normally worn only by Sergeants and above.

Alltogether very interesting and wondered if anyone could throw any further light onto it.

regards

[Mercian]

A great photo Simon thanks for posting. It's not a badge l have seen before, but l am also intrigued.as to which unit.

[Hoot]

I suspect it may have something to do with the Civil Service RVC.

[grey brigade]

Dear Manchester

The PBP is a WO to the 21st Middlesex RIfle Volunteers (Civil Service RIfle Volunteers) - I have never seen the cap or collar badges before and as far
As my limited knowledge goes I assumed they wore a grey uniform- but the camera never lies - I know there were CSRVs in Australia and Canada.

Hope this helps

Mike

[manchesters]

Originally Posted by grey brigade

Dear Manchester

The PBP is a WO to the 21st Middlesex RIfle Volunteers (Civil Service RIfle Volunteers) - I have never seen the cap or collar badges before and as far
As my limited knowledge goes I assumed they wore a grey uniform- but the camera never lies - I know there were CSRVs in Australia and Canada.

Hope this helps

Mike

Could you please explain what a PBP and a WO is in this context please.

Also if you have not seen the badges before what is it that gives you that ID.

I am not disagreeing but am intrigued.

regards

[grey brigade]

Originally Posted by manchesters

Could you please explain what a PBP and a WO is in this context please.

Also if you have not seen the badges before what is it that gives you that ID.

I am not disagreeing but am intrigued.

regards

The term WO stand for Warrant Officer and PBP Pouch Belt Plate quite a few of the Middlesex VRC had a bronze and silver/white metal PBP and all Silver Plate for Officers I have attempted to upload a image of my CSRV

[manchesters]

Thankyou,

I dont believe he is a Warrant Officer, as he has NCO's chevrons of a Corporal.

Why do you think he has the crossed muskets on his cap badge? Is that something you have seen or heard of for the 21st MRVC before?

regards

[grey brigade]

Simon

It a pleasure - as stated I have never seen the cap or collar badges before so I simply do not know I have collected to the London Regiments for a considerable amount of time with a large archive and the image is a mystery and to my knowledge unseen before - it is a fascinating hobby

Regards

Mike

[Paul Spellman]

Simon,
2nd Class Instructor
Paul

[manchesters]

Thanks Paul, didnt know that.

I wonder if his cap badge is a combo of the School of Musketry, Hythe and the 21st MRVC invented solely for their Musketry Instructors?

regards