Mess waistcoat : Victorian Mounted Rifles

Crimson superfine waistcoat with partially open neck. Fronts and bottom edge to side seams all trimmed with gold Russia braid, forming a large oval eye at each of the waistcoat points. Welt pockets at each front trimmed with gold Russia braid forming crowsfeet on both sides of the opening and at each end. Back of waistcoat is a crimson wool and cotton twill mixture. Left front of waistcoat to 'V' opening is decorated with a row of small gilded brass studs, although the fronts fasten beneath with alternate brass hooks and eyes. Inside fully lined with fine yellow and purple striped white silk twill.

Waistcoat worn by an officer of the Victorian Mounted Rifles. Dress regulations for waistcoats of this period specify that the pockets should have an extra Russia braid 'eye' on the crowsfoot decoration. The Victorian Mounted Rifles (VMR) were formed in 1885 and fory five detachments were organised into nine companies. By 1903 the VMR together with the Victorian Rangers and Melbourne Cavalry combined to form the regiments of the Australian Light Horse in Victoria.