Mess dress overalls : Subaltern J Black-Stevenson, Mounted Rifles, Indian Army

Pair black superfine mess overalls with double scarlet stripes (each 2cm wide) down outer seams, button-hole fittings to take instep strap, and original maroon and white striped braces. Trouser buttons marked 'G.G. DEY & CO. CALCUTTA'. Parchment name tag inside right front waist 'J Black Stevenson Esq. Jormiat'.

These overalls were 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.