Company Sergeant-Major John Brown served for 32 years (1870-1902). His uniform is cherished by his family.

Epaulettes

V is for Volunteer: a part-time soldier of the 1st Argyll & Bute Artillery Volunteer Corps. There were a dozen companies in Argyll. Two were here at Easdale.

Proficiency Star.  Just below the shoulder is a four-pointed star. Volunteers had to pass a proficiency exam for promotion to sergeant. Every year the adjutant would check that sergeants remained proficient.

Badges of Rank.  The three chevrons, gun and crown of a company sergeant-major.

Efficiency Stars and Badge. To earn the diamond-shaped efficiency badge, soldiers had to attend a minimum number of drills (training periods), as well as artillery firing, rifle shooting and the annual inspection. One star was awarded for every five years: visible proof of exemplary service.

Long Service Medal. First issued in 1894, the medal was awarded to Volunteers who had served twenty years or more. The inscription on the rim reads: CSM John Brown No1 Coy Argyle Artillery Easdale 1894.

Pocket Watch. The inscription reads: Presented by Captain Whyte to the 1st Argyll Artillery. Won by Gunner John Brown at Carbine Competition 1877.

John Brown was just 25 when Angus Whyte, commander of the Easdale Volunteers, made this presentation.  

Every soldier carried a rifle. The Volunteer Artillery used the shorter Snider-Enfield carbine.