Original British Pre-WWI Era Other Ranks Scarlet Tunic With Trousers Original Items

Original Items: Only One Set Available. Red coat (also spelled as “redcoat”) or scarlet tunic was a military garment used widely, though not exclusively worn, by most regiments of the British Army, Royal Marines, and some colonial units within the British Empire, from the 17th to the 20th centuries. The scarlet tunic continues to be used into the 21st century, with several armed forces of the Commonwealth of Nations adopting them as their full dress and mess dress uniforms. The uniform and term “redcoat” may have originated in 16th century Tudor Ireland as a derogatory term for the British, as British soldiers in Lord Lieutenant of Ireland’s army wore red coats, the first time English and Scottish soldiers under English command and later British collectively had a red uniform. The term was then brought to America and Europe by Irish emigrants.

From the mid-17th century to the 19th century, the uniform of most British soldiers (apart from artillery, rifles and light cavalry) included a madder red coat or coatee. From 1873 onwards, the more vivid shade of scarlet was adopted for all ranks, having previously been worn only by officers, sergeants and all ranks of some cavalry regiments.

The tunic is a fine example of an “Other Ranks” scarlet coat and is constructed of kersey wool with an off white kersey wool lining. The coat is secured by 5 General Service buttons with matching buttons on the shoulders and breast pockets. There are no markings or stamps present. The trousers appear to be WWI era and are in fine condition. The trousers have the name of SPROTT written on the lining. A quick research shows that there was a Lieutenant Frederick William Sprott who served in the Indian Army Reserve of Officers and died in 1916.

This is a wonderful set with great research potential. Comes more than ready for display.

Approximate Dimensions:
Collar to shoulder: 9”
Shoulder to sleeve: 26”
Shoulder to shoulder: 16”
Chest width: 18”
Waist width: 18”
Hip width: 20”
Front length: 28″