FULL DRESS & REVIEW ORDER 1881-1902
UNIFORMS, ARMS & EQUIPMENT - HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY
FULL DRESS TUNICS
The tunics of all three regiments were virtually identical except for the basic colour and facings. The 1st and 2nd Life Guards; scarlet tunics with blue velvet facings and the Royal Horse Guards; blue with scarlet cloth facings. On the collar an embroidered device of laurel and oak leaves on each side. On the gauntlet cuffs a similar embroidered device in the form of a chevron with a regimental button in the centre. On the skirts, three rhombus shaped embroidered devices at the opening showing the appearance of chevrons. The tunics were piped down the front in facing colour. Field officers were distinguished by an embroidered edging on the top and front of the collar and round the edge of the cuffs. There was a gold cord aiguillette on the right shoulder attached to a gold cord strap for all ranks. Badges of rank in silver and gold on the straps.
THE CUIRASS
The Household Cavalry were the only British regiments dressed as cuirassiers and had worn them since the coronation of William IV in 1830. The cuirass consisted of a front and back polished steel plate shaped to fit the body. It had brass edges and studs on the sides and was secured on the shoulders by two gilt scales of regimental pattern. At waist it was secured by a thin gold and black leather belt. The cuirass was lined with Morocco leather and edged in facing colour velvet. The cuirass was only worn in mounted review order with the white breeches and jack boots.
BREECHES, PANTALOONS, TROUSERS & FOOTWEAR
White leather pantaloons were worn in mounted review order with Jack boots. Spurs were secured with chains in the 1st Life Guards and Royal Horse Guards, straps in the 2nd Life Guards. In dismounted review and for levées, dark blue cloth trousers (now called overalls) were worn with gold lace stripes 2½ inches wide with red lace in the centre for 1st Life Guards and blue for 2nd Life Guards. On other dismounted occasions, the trousers had scarlet stripes of regimental pattern. Trousers were worn with Wellington boots and box spurs.
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POUCHES, SWORDBELTS, SLINGS AND SWORDS
