1860s British NCO rank markings: white or gold?

[EnclavedMicrostate]

Question as it says on the tin, basically. I've seen both; were corporals'/sergeants'/colour-sergeants' stripes typically white or gold, and would they be lined/piped in the regimental facing colours or not? Both for infantry and for cavalry.

[WillieB]

Depends a bit on which uniform they are wearing.
For campaign dress mostly white except for some specific units like Rifles where they would be black. I've seen the latter backed in red as well.

[EnclavedMicrostate]

Cheers! I assume that Rifles' stripes might be backed in red if they were King's Royal Rifle Corps instead of Rifle Brigade? Entirely speculative of course.

[carlos marighela]

Hmm, it's a good question for which I can find no ready answer, the 1864 dress regulations only go into detail for the officers. I believe that in theory it was meant to be white chevrons up to and including sergeants, gold for colour sergeants etc.

That said, there are illustrations of sergeants with gold. The relevant Osprey, The British Army on Campaign 1816-1902 (3) 1856-1881 has plates depicting a sergeant of the 71st (HLI) at Ambela in 1863 and a lance corporal of the Royal Engineers, both wearing gold stripes on campaign frocks. Seems that regimental dress regulations and possibly availability were the determining factor.