~ 3rd London Rifle Volunteers Tunic ~
Here we have a 1882-1908 pattern tunic from the 3rd Rifle Volunteers, a regiment that was founded in 1860 with the volunteer movement of 1859 and existed up until 1961.
The 3rd London and its later incarnations post amalgamation served with many honours to its name given the relatively short lifespan and one that saw fierce fighting in South Africa and in the trenches of World War 1.
This tunic is the dress tunic of the 3rd which dates it to between 1882 and 1908 since despite the regiment changing they did not change their uniform or badges until they became the 7th in 1908.
The tunic is that of a private and has the silver buttons and has the off white facings and knotwork of the volunteer regiments.
There is a number stamped on the back of the jacket ‘4823’ showing that this jacket belonged to soldier number 4823. There is the tailors label on the inside of the right breast of the jacket, faded and torn but still with some parts legible.
The name on the label appears to be ‘L. Cottee’, rank is ‘Private 4823’ regiment ‘3rd London’. The label goes on to say the size and the initials of the tailors working on it.
There are 7 silvered buttons with the regimental symbol on down the breast, 6 buttons on the tail, two at the epaulettes and the two silvered collar badges similar to a fusilier’s badge.
The coat is red wool with an off white cotton lining.
~ Dimensions ~
The length from collar to tail is 29 inches(74 cm).
The distance between armpits is 17 inches (43 cm).
The outer sleeve is 22 inches (56 cm) long.
The jacket weighs 1.3 Kg.
~ Condition ~
The jacket is in rather remarkable condition for its age.
There have been a few minor repairs where the original buttons have been sewn back on.
One epaulette has been sewn on and the other is loose where the original stitching has frayed.
There is a stain on the right cuff.
There are a few small holes in the lining and outer material to be expected with a jacket of this age.
