Compiled for official British War Office use on the eve of the American War of Independence, this quarto volume bearing the manuscript title ‘The Uniform of the Several Regiments of Foot in His Majesty’s Service’ doubled the high estimate at Christie’s New York (25/20/13.5% buyer’s premium).

Extracted from Antiques Trade Gazette | Ian McKay

Finely bound in red morocco gilt, it contains 70 illustrations of uniforms, executed in ink and wash over an engraved prototype. Each bears a brief identification, together with a nickname, or that of an associated officer – as in the example featured here.

Said to be one of only two recorded copies – the other one dated 1768 and with a royal provenance that is now held at Aldershot – it was last seen at auction in 1901, when it sold for £55 at Sotheby’s.

This time around, more than a century later, it made $60,000 (£47,245).

The auction took place on June 12.