Norfolk Uniform grouping 1900

[peter monahan]

Can anyone tell me if the cloak, spats, spurs, stirrups and boot stretchers are part of the uniform or army issue items?

John

The spats are almost certainly civilian and the boot stretchers may be. The spurs and stirrup look as if they could be army issue. If they are, there will be somewhere on them numbers and probably letters - the Army marked everything it issued. Numbers may include an abbreviated date stamp - last two digits probably - and perhaps others. Not sure if there would be a 'broad arrow' or not. That mark looks like a very shallow V, point up, with a central line or maybe like a wide, shallow three-pointed bird foot.

The cloak is interesting, as they were typically issued to mounted troops, I believe - your mounted police over there probably still use them, as ours do in Toronto, Canada. If it is an issue item it too should have markings, though there is a good chance it is not original to your granfer, as there is no evidence so far that he was Trooper Paddle as opposed to a Private Paddle. His rank, from the tunics, is Private - no corporal's 'hooks'.

The thin cane, by the way, was a popular affectation with late Victorian period soldiers - usually carried when they 'walked out' [ie:went to town for a beer and whatever].

The Uniform types can tell you more. A lovely, lovely grouping!

Peter

[paddle]

Thanks for your comments Gents. I'll have to dig out the other pieces to complete this display, and take better (clear) photos.

Jim M - Haha, yeah I've never had this whole set out on display. Im very patient, just kept my eyes open for a form and found one the other weekend.
The helmet post has a piece of wood on top w/ a cotton cloth cushion so as to not damage the helmet.

Thanks Patrick for your ideas, I agree the neck hole would look nicer covered in black. I could just spray paint the cloth there or put another cloth over the hole.
The framed photo idea is good.

Peter M. - Thanks for your info. I will look for markings on the boot stretchers, spurs and stirrups. The cloak does not look like a military item based on the lining which looks like civilian tailoring. No markings.
I live in Toronto also. The display form I bought in a vintage store at Roncesvalles and Queen.

John

[Greg Kubasek]

Very nice indeed! Not only to have a killer grouping.. but for the grouping to come from a family mmber. I can only dream!

[cbuehler]

Can anyone tell me if the cloak, spats, spurs, stirrups and boot stretchers are part of the uniform or army issue items?

John

These items would have been private purchase and not issued by the WD.
This is a fabulous and scarce grouping. Note that the Volunteers, which became the Territorials in 1908, had white metal insignia and buttons etc. (silver in the case of officers) instead of brass as in the regulars. Additionally, the trefoil above the cuffs were not worn by the regulars either.
The facing colour is still white, which was changed in the early 1900's to yellow when the Norfolk Regt. requested their traditional facing colour to be restored.

CB