Officer, Presidential Cavalry Escort, Mexico, 1922.jpg

Ceremonial Dress

By the 1920s the Republic of Mexico had suffered from over a decade of civil unrest, but the situation was stabilising. This led the army back to a peacetime role where ceremonial duties were once again a priority.

Mexican uniforms had been influenced by the French, Germans and Americans at different times in the last twenty years. Whilst the American influence continued for field dress, the French flavour was retained in ceremonial uniforms.

This Guardsman wears his black parade uniform with light blue facings. The French style kepi is worn with the Presidential Guard badge attached to the front. The jacket has brass buttons down the front, and gilt lace sardinetas on the cuff, signifying the unit's elite status.

His equipment is black leather with a supported waist belt with gilt rectangular clasp. On each side of the clasp is an ammunition pouch with brass button closure. Another pouch is worn centrally at the back, and the rifle bayonet is worn to the rear of the left hip.

The black trousers have light blue lace on each outer seam. The lace consists of a thin light blue welt with two thick stripes, one on either side. Black ankle boots are worn.

He carries a 7mm fusil Mauser Mexicano Mo.1895.

This plate is based on a contemporary photograph.