Orlando Norie painted this in the early 1870s and it is generally dated 1873 (JSAHR Vol XL no.162, June 1962). There are features of the uniform that suggest an earlier date, 1870 or 71. The officers and men in the painting wear the booted overalls that were adopted after the Crimean War. These were replaced by knee boots and breeches in 1871. The helmets look very tall which, although the details are unclear, indicates that they are the earlier form of heavy cavalry helmet introduced in 1847. In 1871 the helmet was simplified and the falling horsehair plume appeared lower.
The figure on a chestnut horse behind the officer must be a trumpeter. The details are not clear but he seems to be holding a trumpet. He differs from the other men in that he does not have a pouch-belt. Presumably he does not have a carbine so has no need of an ammunition pouch. He does not have a moustache like the others which may be because moustaches were a hindrance to playing a wind instrument. After 1871, with the introduction of the new helmet, musicians and trumpeters of the KDG were required to have a white horsehair plume instead of red like the rest of the regiment. It is also clear that this trumpeter does not have yellow cord aiguillettes.
