The skirts of the tunic were designed to recall the pockets that disappeared near the end of the 18th century, as coats evolved. Originally coats were full skirted but then the corners were turned back and later transformed into coat tails. The pockets became ornamental and were phased out, but reintroduced in the 1864 Dress Regulations: ‘Waist long, with two buttons, scarlet slash on each skirt, with three regimental buttons, and edged with cold cord traced.’ This style continued until dress uniform was discontinued.
The gold braid that followed the lower edge of the blue velvet collar had a small circular loop at the back. This tunic is dated post-1902 because the two star rank badges on the plaited shoulder cords denoted the rank of lieutenant. Prior to 1902, two stars would have denoted the rank of captain and the Austrian knot cuff decoration would have been a double knot.
