Identity area
Reference code
2017.273.2
Title
Green Howards Officers Mess Kit - Waistcoat
Date(s)
- 1975 (Accumulation)
- undated [1850-1900] (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
1
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Forest green wool facecloth vest or waistcoat with green cotton sateen back and gold metal thread work looped lacing and Austrian knot work. It has a deep curved neckline which is edged in gold coloured pointed glass beads. It closes centre front with 5 pairs of black japanned metal hooks and eyes which alternate. Lined in cream cotton and with a green cotton sateen back strap with black japanned two prong metal buckle with 'BRITISH' engraved into it. There is a name stamped in black ink on the lining 'J. S. Philips' and handwritten in green pencil 'R S M GRAHAM'.
Country of Design: United Kingdom
Country of Manufacture: England
Keywords: Military uniform, ceremonial dress, mess dress, full dress
Country of Design: United Kingdom
Country of Manufacture: England
Keywords: Military uniform, ceremonial dress, mess dress, full dress
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Wool, cotton
Colour/Print: Red, green, cream
Details: Shawl collar, goldwork embroidery, badges
Colour/Print: Red, green, cream
Details: Shawl collar, goldwork embroidery, badges
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
Invisible Men exhibition label:
GREEN HOWARDS OFFICERS MESS UNIFORM
Alkit and maker unknown
1975 and 1850-1900
From at least the 1700s British Army uniform has been associated with the colour red. Mess dress, a form of formal uniform, first appeared around 1845, and this jacket is a descendant of that tradition. The green facing – the collar, epaulettes and cuffs – identify the regiment of the officer. The Green Howards were an infantry regiment first raised in 1688 and this waistcoat probably dates to the mid-1800s.
Wool, cotton
Archive no. 2017.273.1 and 2017.273.2
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- British Army (Subject)