British Royal Marine Officer

This is toy soldier British Royal Marine Officer, 1803-16.

Officers of the Royal marines wore uniforms in the same fashion as those worn by the British Infantry. As they were granted the title “Royal” in 1802, the facings were blue with gilt buttons and lace set in pairs. A black beaver Chapeau Bras was worm with a feather plume attached just above the black leather cockade, and gilt tassels were attached at each end of the hat. When on duty a crimson silk sash was worn around the waist and a gilt gorges was worn at the neck. In 1810, epaulettes were altered to conform with the army practice of a single gold one with fringe worn on the right shoulder for junior officers, one worn on the right with bullion fringe for captains, and bullion epaulettes worn on both shoulders for senior officers.