Major, 5th (Union) Regiment (Irish Rifles), 1896..jpg

This Company Commander wears the same hat as other ranks.

His jacket, however, has several differences to that of the lower ranks. Both the collar and cuffs are laced with dark green to show officer rank, in this case a Major.

For parade purposes the dress shoulder knots are worn. These are the same as those worn by the Scots with emerald green replacing red as the central cord. On the cords is a gilt crown further denoting rank. A crimson sash is worn over the left shoulder.

The lower illustration shows the rear of an officer’s tunic with its four 1-inch pleats down the centre. For general and field wear a Sam Browne belt is worn with one cross strap, and the shoulder straps are piped with green and bear the badge of rank.

His trousers have a thin green welt down each outer seam, and are worn over black leather ankle boots.

He wears brown leather gloves and carries a curved-blade sword.