1st (Royal) Dragoons, c.1892

[davidwyke]

Victorian CDV's and Cabinet Photos can sometimes be difficult to ID as to regt and date, not this one though. Fortunately, his helmet plate and buttons are clearly visible.

Tunic - scarlet with blue facings, brass regimental buttons, qualified swordsman badge.
Helmet - white metal with black plume. Badge = brass "1" on black leather backing, within a white metal garter, all on a brass star.

Photographers studios in York and Strensall, the Royals were stationed in the York area 1891 - 1893.

David

[GriffMJ]

Smart young lad there... rare photo actually, you don't see many to the 1RD.

[Hussar100]

Smarter looking than the average solider for the period I'd say.

[lettman]

Delightful photo. When did collar badges come into use?

[davidwyke]

Hi Chaps

Many thanks for the comments, much appreciated.

As regards collar badges, I think collar badges were introduced for Cavalry Regts in the late 1890's, another forum member might be able to give a more precise date. It was probably several years before all regts were wearing them, particularly those serving overseas.

David

[Toby Purcell]

Great photo David, thank you for posting it. Collar badges did not start to be worn by most cavalry units until after 1900. Even then, some took a lot longer than others and even as late as the end of the Boer War there were units who had still not adopted such badges. By 1914 all regiments were wearing them.

[lettman]

Thanks, Toby -- I've always been puzzled by the apparent inconsistency re the adoption of collar dogs by cavalry regiments.

[Toby Purcell]

Originally Posted by lettman

Thanks, Toby -- I've always been puzzled by the apparent inconsistency re the adoption of collar dogs by cavalry regiments.

In part it was because they felt that their was sufficient to recognise them by via different lace (for officers and SNCOs), and arm badges, etc. as well as various differences in forage caps and overalls.