Victorian Naval Brigade officer's jacket

Datec 1899

Object number00019087

NameJacket

MediumWool serge, gilt, silk, felt

DimensionsOverall: 1000 x 430 mm, 1.5 kg

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Royal Australian Infantry Corps Museum

Terms

DescriptionAn officers three quarter length jacket, most likely from the Victorian Naval Brigade. Made from wool serge, gilt thread and silk , the jacket also features a row of ten gilt buttons bearing the emblem of the Victorian Naval Brigade (crown and anchor). Inside the jacket there is a rectangular area with white felt and three additional buttons (smaller versions of exterior style) attached. The lining of the bodice is of gold silk with thin padding beneath and the tail is lined with white felt. HistoryThe Victorian Naval Brigade was first formed in 1859 and featured a large number of ex-Royal Navy men. Service in the brigade was part time and unpaid. recruits were trained in infantry and artillery drill, both ashore and aboard ship. The brigade supplemented the small permanent Victorian navy and was divided into two divisions : Williamstown and Sandridge (Port Melbourne). Supporting the Victorian Naval Forces were the fortifications located at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay and other sites around the bay. In the years leading up to Federation the Victorian Naval Forces were considered the most powerful of all the colonial naval forces. The Australian colonies maintained control over their respective navies until 1 March 1901, when the Commonwealth Naval Force was created.SignificanceThis hat is representative of the Victorian Naval Brigade which along with the permanent force known as the Victorian Navy, formed the Victorion Naval Forces. This Victorian force became the dominant navy in Australia prior to Federation in 1901 and until 1907 when it is was disbanded and and the Commonwealth Naval Militia was formed.