https://sites.rootsweb.com/~pbtyc/RN/Pay_and_Condns/Uniform_1857.htmlThe 1857 Admiralty order setting standard uniform items for the RN. (Before this, there was no standard uniform for ratings).
Circular No. 283,
Admiralty, 30 January 1857.
My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have been pleased to establish the following Regulations, for a Uniform Dress for Petty Officers, Seamen and Boys in the Royal Navy, and they desire that in future these regulated articles of dress be worn by them.
1. Blue Cloth Jacket.- To be made of Navy Blue Cloth, double breasted, with stand and fall collar, sleeves sufficiently large to go easily over a Duck and Serge Frock, to reach to the hip, with an opening at the Cuffs on the seam, with two small black buttons, one inside breast pocket on the left side.
2. Blue Cloth Trowsers.-To be made of Navy Blue Cloth, of the ordinary Naval Pattern, fitting tight at the waistband, with two pockets and a broad flap, and black uniform buttons, same as on the jacket.
3. Duck or White Drill Frock.- To be made with Collar and Wristbands of blue Jean, each having a border of three rows of 3/16 of an inch white tape, 1/8 of an inch apart, with one white metal dead-eye button at each of the wrists.
4. Duck Trowsers.-To be made of white Duck, in a similar manner to the Blue Trowsers, with white metal dead-eye buttons.
5. Blue Serge Frock.- To be made of the same material and pattern as that now in use.
6. Pea Jacket.- To be of Blue Flushing, the same as the present pattern and material, with seven buttons on each side, black horn, Navy Pattern, 1�inch in diameter.
7. Black Silk Handkerchief.
8. Hat.-To be black or white, according to climate. The hat to be four inches high in the crown, three inches wide in the rim, and seven inches across the crown, and made of Sennet, covered with brown Holland painted black, with a hat ribbon bearing the ship's name ; and in warm climates the same hat uncovered. A chin-stay to be attached to the hat.
9. Cap.- To be worn at night, and at sea when ordered. The Cap to be made round, of No. 1 cloth, and partially stiffened across the crown, similar in shape to that worn by Naval Officers, without the peak. Diameter across the crown, for men 10 inches, for boys 9 inches, with a ribbon bearing the ship's name. A chin-stay to be attached to the cap.
10. Woolen Comforter.- To be of a Dark Blue Colour.
11. Petty Officers' Badges.-All Petty Officers' and other Badges to be "White" on the blue serge frock, and "Blue" on the white frock, to be supplied by Government in the same manner as the Badges for Cloth Jackets.
Warrant Officers are to wear the Crown and Anchor Navy Gilt Button, the same as other Officers, instead of the button without the Crown. The new pattern Buttons for Petty Officers and Seamen will be supplied to HM Ships.
The new Cap not to be worn until the present supply of caps is expended.
By Command of their Lordships,
R. Osborne
To all Commanders-in-Chief. Captains, Commanders, and Commanding Officers of Her Majesty's Ships and Vessels.
February 25, 2013, 03:30:03 AM
