Why Two Different colored RA Busby's

[keflin2612]

Off topic slightly I know, but could someone tell me why there Black RA busby's and Brown one's.
Cheers Kev.

[GriffMJ]

I think what you are observing is the difference of a real fur and an artificial fur. Real skin (Fur), with age, will turn brown (exposed to sun light)..... more modern fur will still retain its black sheen and artificial fur will stay black.

[revdougal]

3rd Middlesex Arty Vols wore a racoon skin busby, and the officer version had white ring tailed fur as well; this gave the impression of a tiger skin, hence the unit was referred to as "Truro's Tigers" - Lord Truro had raised the corps. The plume was also different - red and red/white for officers. They continued to wear their distinctive busby even after the intro of the blue cloth helmet. Thus they were on duty for the coronation of Edward VII, somewhat delayed owing to the king's appendicitis, and it being a rather hot day in August, the Press reported that the crowds were amused to watch the moths hatch!
The Duke of York (later George V) was their Honorary Colonel, and his full dress uniform, complete with racoon busby, used to be held by a successor unit, 289 Para Lt Regt RHA (TA). The uniform is now at the RA Museum, Woolwich.
(See Litchfield's/Westlake's "Vol Arty", p120-1210).