79th foot regiment uniform details?

[Kriegbert]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Munro_Ferguson

Came across this portrait; his bio says he served in the 79th foot regiment, but I have never seen epaulettes in such a strange shape & form? Does anyone have any more examples or details about it?

Thanks

[figheadair]

Probably from his time as Commander of the 79th (1835–1841) and possibly denoting some form of Court or Appointment dress. The Highlanders' Musuem should be able to answer the quesiton.

[jf42]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Munro_Ferguson

Came across this portrait; his bio says he served in the 19th foot regiment, but I have never seen epaulettes in such a strange shape & form? Does anyone have any more examples or details about it?

Thanks

The shoulder decorations are the 'wings' that originally denoted the regiment's flank companies but which were authorised for all ranks c.1830 at which time flank company distinctions were abolished for Highland corps. Colonel Munro appears to be wearing pantaloons of the 79th's Cameron of Erracht sett, uniform for mounted duty as appropriate for the Commanding Officer and Adjutant.

[Bruce Scott]

The shoulder decorations are the 'wings' that originally denoted the regiment's flank companies but which were authorised for all ranks c.1830 at which time flank company distinctions were abolished for Highland corps. Colonel Munro appears to be wearing pantaloons of the 79th's Cameron of Erracht sett, uniform for mounted duty as appropriate for the Commanding Officer and Adjutant.

Private Alexander Ritchie of the 79th wearing simple white "wings", painting dated 1833.

Image from: https://www.rct.uk/collection/407085...on-highlanders

[jf42]

Not a Highland officer but here, for comparison, is portrait from ca 1845 of William Munro, Lieutenant and Adjutant of the 39th Dorsetshire Regiment, with shoulder wings of comparable design.

[Kriegbert]

Not a Highland officer but here, for comparison, is portrait from ca 1845 of William Munro, Lieutenant and Adjutant of the 39th Dorsetshire Regiment, with shoulder wings of comparable design.

Excellent example. I wish I could find a photograph of it in real life! At the moment trying to scour through british army manuals searching for a reference to this thing.

[figheadair]

No portrait photos at that date, the technique was in the early stages of development and only they very wealthy, like the royal family could afford it by c.1850.

[Kriegbert]

No portrait photos at that date, the technique was in the early stages of development and only they very wealthy, like the royal family could afford it by c.1850.

Ah daguerrotypes were fairly established by then, but actually, I meant recent photos of vintage items for example in museums! I doubt portrait photos would even show much detail given the state of the tech at the time.

[jf42]

Viz, one a set of calotype images from the studio of Edinburgh photographers
David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson,
showing men of the 92nd (Gordon) Highlanders
at Edinburgh Castle, circa 1845. Sadly, no officers were available.

[Kriegbert]

I have found one photograph

https://www.britishempire.co.uk/forc...giment1840.htm
https://www.slleisureandculture.co.u...rm_accessories