Black Leather Gaiters for Rifle Regiments

The black leather gaiters began to appear in the late1880s for rifle and line infantry regiments. A brown version was issued to the British Army for tropical dress, seen worn in South Africa. The purpose of the gaiter was to protect and preserve the pants in rough terrain, prevent fleas and tics and to prevent ankle injuries when riflemen maneuvered in their skirmish tactics. There are pictures of units wearing in the later part of the 19th century in the Zulu Wars and other colonial escapades. The Queen's Own Rifles were known to wear these in their field exercises in their green uniforms. Complete and in good supple condition.

Code: 51430