Artillery Gunner's blue trousers : New South Wales Colonial Military Forces

Dark blue wool twill trousers with broad 4.5cm scarlet superfine stripe stitched over outer side seams. The leg width is the same down to cuff, which is cut higher at the front. The waist, fly and pocket are lined with various cotton and linen fabrics. The buttoned fly has a brass hook and eye at the waist. There is a single pocket at wearer's right front extending above the waistline. The buttons on the fly and on the outer waist to attach braces are black coated brass. The trousers are machine and hand sewn.

In 1871, New South wales raised a permanent paid defence force, twelve months after the departure of British troops from the colony. Initially this consisted of an artillery battery and two infantry companies. Recruiting began in August 1871.