Bandsman, 46th Battalion of Infantry, Canada, 1866.jpg

Bandsman, 44th Battalion of Infantry (Lincoln & Welland), 1866

In the 18th and 19th centuries the bandsmen of British regiments wore uniforms in the reversed colours of their units to set themselves apart. This practice died out in the middle of the 19th century but was to be seen on rare occasions.

This musician wears an older pattern cap with unit numerals attached to the front of the band. This is in place of the soldiers' usual type of cap, the Kilmarnock.

His jacket follows the contemporary pattern for the infantry with cuff patches. The collar and patches are blue with red piping, the reverse of the scarlet with blue facings of the soldiers. They also feature white lace embellishments. But the most distinctive feature is the ground cloth of the tunic, which has wings attached to the shoulders.

A standard waist belt and trousers are worn.