This scarlet coat was one of the most costly items of uniform in the line infantry, at a time when military uniform was designed to dazzle the eye rather than strive to be practical. The waist length coat fastened with hooks and eyes so that the gilt buttons at the extremities of the embroidered buttonholes were not functional. The collar had two loops on each side and the cuffs had four, although only 3 are visible here. On the back skirts there were horizontal pocket flaps with four loops on each, and embroidered thistle ornaments on the point where the turn-backs came together. The epaulettes are decorated with embroidery of regimental pattern, gold on red cloth, and have substantial gold bullion fringes. There is an embroidered star rank badge on each epaulette as this coat belonged to a major. Lieutenant-Colonels had a crown, and Colonels a star and crown. The fact that there are epaulettes on both shoulders indicated that the wearer was a field officer. Captains and subalterns had one epaulette only on the right shoulder, with no rank badge.
