REVOLUTIONARY WAR – The Uniform of the Several Regiments of Foot in his Majesty’s Service. [London,] 1771.

REVOLUTIONARY WAR – The Uniform of the Several Regiments of Foot in his Majesty’s Service. [London,] 1771.

The redcoats are coming! One of only two known examples, compiled for the use of the British War Office shortly before the outbreak of the American War of Independence. The volume is illustrated with 70 finely-executed uniforms in ink wash over an engraved prototype; in certain cases—for example, the Highlanders (42nd Regiment)—additional dress (a kilt) has also been superimposed by the artist. The regiment and familiar nickname or leading officer is noted beneath each colored engraving, e.g., “The Royal Americans, Colonel in Chief Sir Jeffrey Amherst” (60th Regiment). With enclosed correspondence from William Y. Carman, author of British Military Uniforms (1968), who points out a single known copy dated 1768 in the Aldershot Library of the Prince Consort.

Quarto (235 x 173mm). Manuscript title-page and 70 finely hand-colored engraved plates (some minor staining towards the end of the volume; light dampstaining to about 5 plates; plate 43 with repair on verso not affecting image). Contemporary red morocco, richly gilt. Provenance: “from Major Grant, Deputy Adjutant General” (flyleaf inscription) – Sabin family (Sotheby’s, 1 June 1907, lot 6282, for £55).

Pre-Lot Text
PROPERTY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTOR