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11th Prince of
Wales's Own Lancers (Probyn's Horse) - Indian Full Dress,
1866
The regiment became the
11th Bengal Cavalry (Lancers) in 1864 so this uniform probably
dates after then. The man in the portrait is Colonel Probyn
and it was painted by Scottish artist James Rannie Swinton
in June 1867. Probyn was no longer in the 11th as he had
given up command of the regiment on 22 March 1866 and returned
to England. The garment he wears is an alkalak, defined
by the U shaped gold lace that outlines his chest. It is
richly embroidered with gold and edged with scarlet piping,
obviously the inspiration for the kurta worn towards the
end of the century by officers of the 11th.
On his right shoulder he has gold aiguilettes worn in his
capacity as honorary ADC to the Viceroy of India. The pouchbelt
and medals can be seen more clearly in Head and Shoulders
Detail. He is armed with an Indian dagger, tucked into his
scarlet lungi, and a mameluke sword. The sword is slung
from a gold laced, red morocco waistbelt from which is also
suspended a sabretache. He wears white breeches and Napoleon
boots.
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