British East India Company, 16th Bengal Native Infantry Officer’s Shoulder Belt Plate c.1845
A most rare example, the burnished gilt rectangular back plate with gilt and silver mounts, central fused grenade with ‘16’ within belted strap and title ‘BENGAL GRENADIERS’, all within bold wreath of laurel with crown above, woven with silver ribbon bearing battle honours for Mysore, Seringapatam, Ghuznee, Affghanistan, Candahar Ghuznee Cabul 1842, and Marajepoor (later had Sutlej honours), reverse with usual hook and stud fasteners and leather liner, a magnificent plate in exceptionally fresh condition £2,000-£2,400

George McIlroy Collection c.1985.

16th Bengal N.I. was made a Grenadier Regiment for its services at Candahar under General Nott in 1842 and was disarmed and disbanded at Mean Meer in May 1857.