Uniforms - Sub Category Antique Militaria - Category

A very rare and lovely Victorian South Wales Borderers Staff Sergeants tunic, circa late 1890s, due to the additional SMLE/Lee Metford musketry badge. It retains the remains of its original paper label. No name.

ID: 3654

South Wales Borderers Staff Sergeants Tunic, C1890

Price: £395.00
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Description 🔉

A very rare and lovely Victorian South Wales Borderers Staff Sergeants tunic, circa late 1890s, due to the additional SMLE/Lee Metford musketry badge. It retains the remains of its original paper label. No name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Are the South Wales Borderers?

The South Wales Borderers were a famous infantry regiment of the British Army. Originally raised in 1689 as the 24th Regiment of Foot, they became the South Wales Borderers in 1881 following the Childers Reforms. The regiment is best known for its service during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, where the 24th Regiment fought at both the Battle of Isandlwana and the legendary Defence of Rorke's Drift. Although the soldiers at these battles were officially members of the 24th Regiment, they later became the South Wales Borderers, and the regiment proudly carried these battle honours throughout its history. The regiment continued to serve with distinction around the world until it merged into the Royal Regiment of Wales in 1969.

What distinguishes this as a Victorian tunic?

Several features identify this as a late Victorian tunic. In 1881, the regiment changed from green facings to white as part of the Childers Reforms (often associated with the earlier Cardwell reforms). The tunic also features Victorian crowns in the rank insignia, distinctive "jampot" cuffs, and embroidered shoulder boards, all characteristic of late Victorian officers' uniforms. Together, these details date the tunic to the latter part of Queen Victoria's reign.

The musketry badge resembles an SMLE or Lee-Metford over a Martini-Henry, suggesting that the tunic was last used around the turn of the 20th century.

How do you differentiate a tunic from an undress frock?

The easiest way to differentiate the two is the number of buttons on the frock, the existance of exterior pockets (or without) and the fabric.
Victorian undress frocks typically had 5 buttons for foreign service, 7 for home service, had exterior pockets (not always) and were made from very itchy wool.
Dress tunics depending on grade were made from melton cloth, only have ticket pockets existant on the belt line, and are generally higher quality in construction.

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Business Name: Raven Yard Antiques Shop
Name: Jan
Email: Enquiries@raven-antiques.com
Phone: 07454992481
Website: https://raven-antiques.com

Address:
21 Watergate, Whitchurch, Shropshire, UK.
SY131DP
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Note:
Raven Yard Antiques Shop is a family run business located in the picturesque part of Shropshire in the Roman town of Whitchurch. We have a diverse selection of rare and historic goods to choose from. Please browse our online store or else visit our shop to see some of our amazing items.

Legal Note

For antique firearms such as muskets and rifles, this item is offered strictly as a collectors’ piece. It is sold as a historic firearm for display or study purposes only, and not as a modern, live-firing weapon. Export, import, and ownership regulations vary by country; buyers are responsible for ensuring compliance with their local laws and confirming that they are not prohibited from ownership. In accordance with UK guidelines, the seller is required to verify the buyer’s identification and age prior to completion of the sale.