38th (1st Staffordshire) Regiment, an extremely rare Senior NCO’s cross belt plate, c1840-55, heavy coppered brass back plate overlaid with a large and ornate white metal mount, on a background of multi-rayed rococo design a star of twelve points, these embossed with battle honours, centrally the crown over sprays of laurel and palm and enclosing a circular strap ‘1st Staffordshire’ with central numerals ‘XXXVIII’, below the junction of the leaf sprays the Knot Simpliciter, four broad tangs to the reverse, excellent condition £800-1000

The four broad tang fasteners were introduced when the soldier’s equipment was changed. An inspection report of 1829 notes that certain regiments had still not changed to this pattern of plate.