Richard Simkin (1850-1926) - 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys) c.1890

This watercolour of the 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys) was painted by the renowned military artist, Richard Simkin. Simkin was always as accurate as he could be for his military drawings and there are similar examples in Carman's useful book on the artist's works with plate 43 showing various outfits of the 2nd Dragoons. [1]
 
'The Royal Regiment of Scots Dragoons was raised in Scotland from two independent companies of dragoons in May 1678. In 1681 they were increased to six companies and were formed into a regiment. It was not until June 1685 that they crossed the border into England, which eventually gave them their precedence after the Royal Dragoons, a fact that did not inhibit their claim of 'Second to None'. With the Union of Scotland to England in 1707 the title changed to the Royal Regiment of North British Dragoons, and when precedence became part of the title they were known as the 2nd or Royal North British Dragoons, the rank of 2nd being approved by Queen Anne c.1713. In 1866 acknowledgement was made to their nickname and they were called the 2nd Royal North British Dragoons (Scots Greys). In 1877 this was abbreviated to 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys), and in 1921 the emphasis was reveresed to the Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons). Finally, in 1971, the regiment was amalgamated with the 3rd Carabiniers (Prince of Wales's Dragoon Guards) as the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers and Greys). [2]
 
 
 
Medium: watercolour on paper, titled lower centre on mount '2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys) c.1890. R. Simkin', 21.5 x 19 cm, framed.

Provenance: The Parker Gallery, 2 Albermarle Street, London (label verso).
 
Condition report: in good overall condition. The frame and mount show some wear, please see photos.
 
Bibliography:
 
[1] W. Y. Carman, 'Richard Simkin's Uniforms of the British Army: The Calvary Regiments', Webb & Bower: Exeter, 1982, pp.80-82
 
[2] Ibid., p.80.