Help to identify uniform

[Stevie b]

Hi All

Some more details that may be of use.

In 1860 the top of his swagger stick says Drill Sergent Moore - City of Norwich Rifle Volunteers, 1861 his occupation is given as Chelsea Pensioner and Staff Sergent West Norfolk Militia and his death notice 14/02/1874 Norwich Mercury says Drill Instructor - Attleborough Rifle Volunteers.

Does any of this help??

Posting some more pics.

Steve

[neil1821]

Steve,
I'm still not convinces the facing colours match the 96th.
Could the picture show the uniform of one of these volunteer regiments (I'm not familiar with their uniforms) and hence date from the 1850s?

I get the impression in the picture that he's a man of "mature" years 

Neil

[Stevie b]

Hi Neil

Check out this link
http://www.artnet.com/Artists/LotDetailPage.aspx?lot_id=4E60A5EFC43C60B16429F29482493D56

It shows an officer of the 96th in uniform there are similarities to my painting, especially if the neck is done up and taking into account some artistic license!!

Steve

[liverpool annie]

I found this about 1st Norfolk (City of Norwich) Rifle Volunteer Corps .............. 

1860.02 1st Norfolk (City of Norwich) Rifle Volunteer Corps
formed with HQ at Norwich by amalgamation of existing corps:
        
1st Norfolk Rifle Volunteer Corps at Norwich, raised 31 Aug. 1859
2nd Norfolk Rifle Volunteer Corps at Norwich, raised 15 Sep. 1859
3rd Norfolk Rifle Volunteer Corps at Norwich, raised 2 Sep. 1859
    1861.03   
1st Norfolk Mounted Rifle Volunteer Corps at Norwich (one troop raised 25 Mar. 1861) attached; redesignated late 1862 as 1st Norfolk Light Horse; disbanded ca. Aug. 1867

Annie 

[neil1821]

Hi Steve,
There are some similarities with that miniature, I understand what you mean, but I'm still not too convinced. 

In 1804 (year of the miniature), the 96th's facings were buff. They were disbanded a couple of times and reformed until in 1824 the 96th (with yellow facings) that William Moore joined was formed. So although both are 96th Foot, they're not really the same regiment (no continuity).

No-one has really commented yet on that sleeve insignia that you have (and which is clearly seen on the portrait). Presumably it's rank insignia, but whatever it is it's not common. It certainly has the elements though of some later Drill Sergeant insignia.

[Stevie b]

Hi to everybody

Thanks for all your interest in the painting of my 3rd Gt Grandfather.

I had this reply from The Museum of the Manchester Regiment, “I have looked in British Army Proficiency Badges by Edwards and Langley and can find no reference to the badge in the combination shown in the image. I would suggest that you email the National Army Museum with your questions as they are recognised as the national experts on the subject of uniform and insignia. As for the painting I am not sure if the uniform is the 96th Ft, the cross-belt plate resembles none in the collection and there is not enough detail on the buttons to make-out any markings. The epaulettes may be a clue but the NAM will tell you more no doubt Regards Garry Smith Curator The Museum of the Manchester Regiment “
I have emailed the National Army Museum and sent a copy of the painting. I now eagerly await a reply.
I am coming to the conclusion that the uniform must be one or the Norfolk volunteer regiments.

Steve

[Stevie b]

Here is the reply from the NAM

Enquiry: Identification of Uniform and Badges
 
Thank you for your e-mail dated 10 December 2007, which has been forwarded to me for a reply.
 
From the detailing visible in the image forwarded I think it most likely that your ancestor was serving in the 96th when this portrait was painted.  The 94th had Green facings (collar and cuffs) whilst the 96th had yellow. The arm badge is that of a Colour Sergeant I believe it is pre 1866, from then the badges were worn on both arms.
 
Rifle Volunteers generally wore green uniforms; the City of Norwich Rifle Volunteers did wear green, however, I have been unable to confirm the colour worn by the Attleborough Rifle Volunteers.  Neither can I find conclusive evidence of the uniforms worn by the West Norfolk Militia.
 
I believe the number 90 refers to your ancestors regimental number rather than his service number.
 
For further information on the Volunteer and Militia Regiments you may wish to contact the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum, Norfolk Museum Services, Shirehall, Market Avenue, Norwich, NR1 3JQ. E-mail museums@norfolk.gov.uk  For the 96th you should contact the Museum of the Manchesters, Ashton Town Hall, Market Place, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6DL e-mail portland.basin@mail.tameside.gov.uk
 
I do hope the above information proves to be of interest for your research.
 
Yours sincerely
 
Mrs G Brewer
Curator, Department of Uniforms, Badges and Medals

Now making enquiries at the RNRM.