mess waistcoat

Mess waistcoat of an early pattern dating from around 1850-1860. It is scarlet, with thin gold braid along the borders and a looped decorative design formed from the same gold braid along the lower front. The waistcoat is made from wool at the back and silk at the front, with an inside lining of cotton with an ornate pattern of pale stripes. It fastens with several hook and eye clasps and has a cinch at the back for tightening to the preferred fit. The front left opening is lined with small spherical metal decorations. Mess dress is the uniform worn by British Army Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers at formal evening events, certain ceremonies, and in their respective messes (eating and socialising spaces). It was originally introduced around 1845 as a less elaborate and expensive alternative to full dress uniform.