Scarlet mess waistcoat : Subaltern J Black-Stevenson, Mounted Rifles, Indian Army

Scarlet cloth waistcoat with red corded silk back, edged with silver Russia braid around neck and front and along lower edge. Pockets have crow's foot decoration in silver Russia braid. Fastened down front with six hooks and eyes concealed by silver ball edging down left front. Lined with cream cotton.

This waistcoat was worn by James Black-Stevenson who was born in London and educated in Scotland. He worked in India for Assam Tea Company c 1876-1890 and also served with 'Mounted Rifles', Indian Army. In 1883 he married Caroline Blakspeare and in 1890 they migrated to South Australia for the sake of her health. Black-Stevenson served with the South Australian Scottish Company and Adelaide Rifles c 1900-1902. He died in 1934 and was survived by 3 daughters. His only son was killed in the First World War.