British East India Company, 27th Bengal Native Infantry Officer’s Shoulder Belt Plate c.1840
A most rare example, the silver-gilt rectangular back plate with clipped corners, silver mounts, crowned silver star with central ‘27’ on blue enamel ground within belted strap inscribed ‘NATIVE. INFANTRY.’, reverse stamped with marks ‘P & Co’ for Pittar & Company, Calcutta (1825-48), date letter ‘A’, fitted with two long hooks and two stud fasteners, gilt rubbed and some chipping to blue enamel, otherwise very good condition £1,600-£2,000

George McIlroy Collection c.1985.

The 27th Bengal Native Infantry was disarmed and disbanded at Peshawar on 29 May 1857.