I believe this is the Infantry Corps full dress officer’s uniform (from the facing colours and the crossed rifles on the belt buckle).
Introduced during the 30s its often described as a “Ruritanian” style uniform, referring to fictional central European country from the novel Prisoner of Zenda, especially the Kepi or Shako (the hat).
Each Corps or Service of the Army had its own variation on the uniform with differnt facing colours (the cloth at the neck and cuffs) and the lining of the cloak. The Cavalry Corps and Air Corps both were considered “mounted” branches and had cavalry style plastron fronts. The Air Corps had a sky blue version of the uniform.
Each officer had to buy their own full dress uniform. They went out of use during The Emergency, but the current Army Band uniform takes its inspiration from this uniform.
You can see a good selection of the different Corps and Services full dress uniforms in the Soldiers & Chiefs exhibition in National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, dublin, Ireland.
Men’s fashion has definitely declined. Just compare what was a good trendy outfit back in the day vs today.
8 comments
Not where I would have guessed based on the general look
[Source of the image](https://www.phowd.com/photo/32399/irish-army-officer-1930s)
Dearg bydad!
When capes were still in fasion.
Looking sharp mate
Man’s got the drip
#Some Background:
I believe this is the Infantry Corps full dress officer’s uniform (from the facing colours and the crossed rifles on the belt buckle).
Introduced during the 30s its often described as a “Ruritanian” style uniform, referring to fictional central European country from the novel Prisoner of Zenda, especially the Kepi or Shako (the hat).
Each Corps or Service of the Army had its own variation on the uniform with differnt facing colours (the cloth at the neck and cuffs) and the lining of the cloak. The Cavalry Corps and Air Corps both were considered “mounted” branches and had cavalry style plastron fronts. The Air Corps had a sky blue version of the uniform.
Each officer had to buy their own full dress uniform. They went out of use during The Emergency, but the current Army Band uniform takes its inspiration from this uniform.
You can see a good selection of the different Corps and Services full dress uniforms in the Soldiers & Chiefs exhibition in National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, dublin, Ireland.
Men’s fashion has definitely declined. Just compare what was a good trendy outfit back in the day vs today.