This is a special pattern for the regiment, unique inasmuch as the belt fittings on either side of the central device feature the harp of Erin. The RDF is the amalgamation of the 102nd (Royal Madras Fusiliers) and the 103rd (Royal Bombay Fusiliers), both old Indian Army regiments with predominantly Irish representation, in the other ranks at least.
These buckles replaced the old shoulder belt plates of Crimea vintage and earlier and were worn on the buff leather belt in the field and the gold bullion belt for dress duties.
The highlights on the face of the buckle have a fair amount of wear; the gilding on the reverse is largely intact. Typically, these buckles often saw hard service all over the empire, from the jungles of Burma to the heat and dust of Africa and India.
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[Belt Buckles : British : 19th Century]
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