Photo of infantry colonel adjutant wing RIA, 1870s

A rare photo in excellent collector's condition. Photographer Konrad Reis, Helsinki. Portrait session. The colonel is armed with an officer's infantry saber of the 1865 model, with a strap. On his chest is the Order of St. Anna's 3 art. and a medal. In his hands is a leather officer's helmet of the 1844 model. Since the beginning of the 19th century, officers who held the positions of adjutants were given uniforms of special colors: silver device, red collar, all the edging on the uniforms are white. Those who were registered in the infantry were entitled to epaulettes of the guards infantry pattern, those who were registered in the cavalry – metal scaly ones. In our case, the colonel's epaulettes are depicted. An aiguillette is fastened under the right epaulette. All this made it possible to identify the adjutant on the battlefield from afar, relaying orders from high authorities. Over the years, the cut of the uniform changed, but the colors remained the same until 1917. For special assignments, officers were supposed to wear the same uniform as adjutants, but without an aiguillette. The number of adjutants and officers for assignments has always been small, so their photographs are quite rare, and early photographs are practically not found at all. Guarantee of authenticity.