31st Foot officer's shoulder belt plate, British (c 1847-55)

Title	31st Foot officer's shoulder belt plate
Nationality	British
Period	c 1847-55

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This ranks amongst one of the more colourful of the genre, being smothered in battle honours and regimental devices. Originally raised in 1713, known as the 31st Foot in 1751, and then in 1782 receiving the county title (Huntingdonshire). The 31st Foot later became the 1st Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment, the 2nd Bn being the 70th.

This shoulder belt plate cannot be any earlier because, amongst other things, the Cabool battle honour was granted in 1844 (for 1842).

These were worn by all regimental officers of infantry and artillery in the 19th century, the sword being carried at the end of a white buff shoulder belt, of which this was the buckle, worn in the centre of the chest. According to Parkyn, this was the last shoulder belt plate worn by the regiment. In 1855, the new Prussian-style tunic, for which a waist belt was designed, replaced the old coatee.

There is some loss of gilding to the top of the frame and behind the XXXI. Otherwise, the plate is in excellent order with most of the original relief on the silverwork nice and sharp, the whole being silver on brass.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Militaria : Badges : British : 19th Century]

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