Customs Men

[SpudUk]

Hello,

I'm looking for information on uniforms word by customs officials and Riding Officers in England in the mid 18th Century. Quite interested in highly authentic portrayal of smuggling and counter-smuggling operations in this period

[Tomcook]

Did you ever get any more information on this?
The only thing I've ever seen is a sealed pattern for hat and coat from much later 1840s I think.
Maybe having a pair of pistols, a hanger and a horse and being hated by the general populace would have discouraged the wearing of uniforms?

[SpudUk]

Hi Tom,

So what I've found so far suggests that they'd like have worn civilian clothing, but I'm still looking.

I'm also looking at the general set-up of counter-smuggling operations in the late 17th/early 18th centuries, but a lot of books seem to use Revenue men, customs men and riding officers interchangeably. If you happen to know more then do let me know.

Thanks

Chris