63rd (West Suffolk) Regiment Officer’s Shoulder Belt Plate c.1840-55.
A superb example, the burnished gilt back plate with dead gilt mounts comprising the crown laurel sprays two battle honours and ‘63’, these engine turned (Parkyn 441). Complete with leather liner, this with period inscription, ‘R. P. Ford 16 July 1841’, extremely good condition £800-£1,000

Robert Penrice Ford was commissioned Ensign in the 63rd Regiment of Foot on 16 July 1841. He is still shown as such in the 1844 Army List, but has left the Army by 1847.