Compiled for official British War Office use on the eve of the American War of Independence, this quarto volume left bearing the manuscript title ‘The Uniform of the Several Regiments of Foot in His Majesty’s Service’ doubled the high estimate to sell at $60,000 (£47,245) at Christie’s New York (25/20/13.5% buyer’s premium) on June 12.
Finely bound in red morocco gilt, it contains 70 illustrations of uniforms, executed in ink and wash over an engraved prototype. Each bears a brief identification, together with a nickname, or that of an associated officer – as in the example featured here.