44th Bengal Native Infantry Officer’s Shoulder Belt Plate c. 1840, an extremely fine example 10.3 x 8.4 cms, the rectangular gilt back plate with clipped corners bears silver mounts being St. Edward’s crown (Indian interpretation) over laurel sprays which enclose the title strap ‘Bengal Nat. Infantry’ with central ‘44’, below the laurel sprays a scroll ‘Deig’, all the mounts are attached via small screw posts and hand cut nuts, maker’s mark at the bottom is probably that of Ranken & Co, Calcutta, two hook and two stud fasteners, slight gilt loss to two areas on the back plate otherwise in very fine condition £1000-1500