Illustrated Regulations, Standard Uniforms, and Patterns of the Army, Navy, Militaia, Volunteers, Civil Service, Court Dress, Ets

London Nd(ca.1886): William Jones and Co. Large Folio. 74 pp. A marvelous unique copy owned by the controversial Sir William Vicars. His early expertise on both Irish heraldry and genealogy led to his becoming a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and a governor of the National Library of Ireland. He was soon promoted to a keeper of the rarest Irish jewels. These include the 'crown jewels" comprised of a jeweled star, a jeweled badge and a partly jeweled gold and enamel badge by the Order of Saint Patrick (which was worn by the lord lieutenant of Ireland as grand master of the order). The safe which Vicars had control of was entered and the major items purloined on 6 July 1907. Since the thefts were attributed to friends of Vicars who were well known for their part in the gay community, he was held responsible. Since all of this happened as Edward VII was visiting Ireland the next day and the rare pieces had been stolen and not recovered, they could no longer be used for the King's investing a new knight of the order. The investiture was then cancelled, the king was furious. It was also known that Francis Richard Shackleton, a key member of Vicars' staff had a problematic reputation because of his close friendship with Lord Ronald. Their well-known involvement with the gay community was a part of the problem that had to be hidden since any public reference would embarrass both those found guilty as well as their government employers. The vicars' dismissal was probably more because of his incompetence in protecting the royal jewels. Yet his association with these controversial characters may well have been a factor also. A very fascinating copy in the trouble late career of Arthur Vicars. Illustrated with color title page and 28 other color plates printed on very heavy card stock, with additional tinted plates or black and white illustrations on lighter sheets. Additional sheets are bound in over old uniforms showing the new regulation items offered. Every item is described by rank, service (i.e.: Navy, Army, etc.) including medical staff, instructors, carpenters, engineers, Canadian regiments, who are entitled to wear a certain uniform and the accoutrements that are specifically for that uniform. Other uniforms are offered including Court uniforms, Scotch archers along with hats and helmets, swords, gold and silver embroidery, and Masonic Regalia. On the verso of page 65, a new address is given. From 236 Regent St. London to 7 Golden Square, Paris and 1037 Chestnut St., Philadelphia. On the verso of the front free endpapers there are two mounted items. One states: Presented by Messgs. Showl and Company successors of Jones and Co. 25 May 1897signed Arthur Vicers. Below is another mounted paper stating, "this book is the private property of Arthur Vicars, F.S.A., Ulster Kind-Of-Arms". 20th century rebind in full dark blue polished calf with original front cover mounted, raised bands with gilt title within one compartment, red endpapers, all edges red which some of the red from the upper edge had seeped onto the upper margin, spine faded. A beautiful production. Very scarce.