Constable, British New Guinea Armed Constabulary, 1893.gif

This Constable wears the first uniform of the BNGAC.

Initially a Torin style folding cap was worn with badge, shown below, attached to the left front.  However, after several years the cap was forgotten and the native style of hair allowed to flourish.

The shirt is simple with red binding at the edges of the V collar and shortened sleeves.

Over the right shoulder is a thin bandolier carrying rounds for his 0.577in Snider Artillery carbine.

Around the waist is a leather belt with brass snake clasp, worn over a cummerbund. The sword bayonet is hung from the belt behind the left hip.

Calf length knickerbockers are worn because the Solomon Islanders initially recruited into the unit did not like the sulu. In 1894 the sulu was introduced only to have knickerbockers return in 1896. Two years later the sulu returned and remained the approved item of dress.