British Duty Bugle aka M1855 British Duty Bugle

Description

This brass Cavalry pattern bugle, in the key of B-Flat, would make a great addition to any musician or cavalryman’s collection. Perfect for a Union or Confederate reenactor looking for a special bugle with a british background to it. These bugles were introduced in England in 1855 or 1858 but the model they are based on can be traced back to 1810. This has been the regulation bugle for all British military services for over 150 years. The M1855 used in America was the Boosey & Hawkes Model 1855 bugle for some years in The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.

As an example of the life of a bugler, Oliver Willcox Norton of the 83rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry wrote home about his duties: “I thought the subject of bugler was exhausted, but I see you want to know more about it. I am chief bugler of the brigade. My duties are, in camp to sound the calls for roll calls, drills, inspections, guard mounting, etc., at regular hours each day; on the march, to attend on the general in command and sound the calls to march or halt and rest, strike tents and form in line, etc. In short to act as mouthpiece for the general. So much for duties. As to privileges-one, I’ve nothing to do but bugle; two, my luggage is carried in the headquarters wagons; three, I get better rations than in the regiment, and more of them; four, I get my wood hauled, and in the regiment the men have to carry all they burn a long distance. Well, there are four, perhaps that’s enough, but I might add others.”

The following U.S. Army Regulations of 1861 and the revised regulations in 1863 provided the following guidance for musicians:

968. The general superintendent will cause such of the recruits as are found to possess a natural talent for music, to be instructed (besides the drill of the soldier) on the fife, bugle, and drum, and other military instruments; and boys of twelve years of age, and upward, may, under his direction, be enlisted for this purpose. But as recruits under eighteen years of age and under must be discharged, if they are not capable of learning music, care should be taken to enlist those only who have a natural talent for music,and, if practicable, they should be taken on trial for some time before being enlisted.

969. Regiments will be furnished with field music on the requisitions of their commanders, made, from time to time, direct on the general superintendent; and, when requested by regimental commanders, the superintendents will endeavor to have suitable men elected from the recruits,or enlisted, for the regimental bands.
NOTE: To complete your impression, add our Bugle Cord (cord-03) to your Bugle. Our worsted wool bugle cords are just the thing to spruce your military bugle. Choose from Infantry blue, Cavalry yellow, or Artillery red.