Uniform of Victorian era officer up for sale

Gordons: Owner was ‘Captain Dyce’

A 19th-Century Gordon Highlanders’ officer uniform, complete with kilt, tunic and bearskin hat, will be one of the first lots to go under the hammer at a Scottish auctioneers post-lockdown.

The regalia and equipment, dating back to 1879, belonged to a Captain Dyce and will next week be auctioned off by

Taylors Auction Rooms in Montrose.

The auctioneers will put the captain’s gear before bidders as part of a five-day sale, starting on July 20.

It will be conducted entirely online, with buyers able to watch and bid on items from the comfort of their own homes.

Included in the Gordon Highlanders lot is Captain Dyce’s red tunic, belts, bearskin, mess jacket, kilt and glengarry bonnet.

Jonathan Taylor, saleroom manager for Taylor’s, said that despite the comparatively poor condition of the lot, it is estimated to fetch between £800 and £1,200.

With interest already registered from collectors across the world, however, Mr Taylor believes it could very well go for far beyond that estimate.

He said: “Sadly, we don’t know the owner’s first name, but we do know that he’s Captain Dyce, because it says that and 1879 on the inside of some of his clothing.

“Unfortunately, there’s only so many records that we’re able to access, and we don’t have his medals either, which would have been a good way to track down his full identity.

“But the people who will be buying this will be able to look into his career more fully.

“In fact, it’s one of the main reasons people like to buy lots like these – to investigate and discover more about who these soldiers were.”

Mr Taylor added: “It’s in at £800 to £1,200, but it should go beyond that.

“We’ve had people from America asking about it and others from all over the UK. It really has attracted a lot of attention.

“It’s not in the greatest of condition, as the moths have been at it, but it’s a very interesting piece and we’re really pleased to be selling it.

“Usually you can get the bearskin, or the jacket individually, but to have all of this together and know the name of who owned it is really something that appeals to collectors.”

To find out more, visit taylors-auctions.com

Photograph by Paul Glendell HISTORIC: Auctioneer Geoffrey Taylor with the Gordon Highlanders uniform