Drum Major's Sash

Drummers originally marched with their individual companies. In the 18th century they were banded on parade into Corps of Drums. The lead drummer who had beaten out time on his own drum now marched in front of the Corps, controlling them with visual signals with his staff. He had set his drum aside, but kept its supportive crossbelt with loops to retain his drumsticks as a badge of office. A treatise of 1786 stated that the sticks 'should be of ebony tipped with Silver, it being part of the foppery to be allowed in his Appointments, for no other purpose but merely show.’

Over time, the drum major’s crossbelt became more ornate, displaying regimental badges and battle honours mounted on silk in the regimental colours. Marching at the head of the Corps of Drums, preceding the whole parade, this immediately proclaimed which regiment was approaching.