These elaborate silver items were worn by British officers in undress only. The stable jackets worn in the early 1830s were, in most cases, dark blue with orange (or red) facings and silver lace. It was these jackets that were worn for everyday use and on campaign, so although these shoulder scales were decorative, their original purpose was to protect the shoulders from sword cuts. The outer crescent is decorated with images of trophies of arms and laurel leaves, while the edges of the scales have laurel leaves only. The small silver buttons are inscribed with a 10. The portrait of Charles Blair shows him in the blue stable jacket with shoulder scales. They can be seen more clearly in the portrait of Major Vibart of the 2nd BLC.
