Here we go -- some fresh input from a knowledgeable piper friend who makes a study of army uniforms. First, some of his text, and then the period images he references. I agree that the pipers' frock looks a different shade in the B&W photos from the other ranks' scarlet frock.
"AFAIK the frocks for pipers were Archer Green.
"Obviously no colour photography then, so we have to rely on paintings.
"In the issue of Regiment magazine The Highlanders Part 2 there's a painting (unfortunately shown in black & white) by R. Wymer showing the Pipe Major, Officer, and Private of the Camerons in 1907, all in frocks, and the Pipe Major's frock is clearly darker than the others.
"It's obvious that the piper's frock has been painted as being a different colour than the others.
"The piper's frock also has the square silver Cameron Highlanders pipers' buttons, as can be seen in the 1882 photo below.
"The buttons alone suggest that pipers weren't simply issued Other Ranks frocks."
"Here's the Cameron Pipe Major (then called "Sergeant Piper") in 1882, he's stated to be wearing a green frock."
"Note the square buttons of Cameron Highlanders pipers.
"The fact that the pipers of the various Highland regiments seemed to have worn the doublet and frock interchangeably suggests that they're both green.
"Here, three frocks and two doublets, in India."
I'm not trying to be persnicketty, I just want to share the information; these things are just as important to me for my own army men! I sweat over the details.
