The Loyal Chelmsford Volunteers, a very rare officer’s oval copper gilt shoulder belt plate, c1798-1801 and/or c1803-1808, incised design of the crown over a decorated ‘GR’ and full unit title in surround, maker’s mark stamped in the reverse ‘FT’ (possibly Francis Thurkle), one hook and two stud fasteners, slight scratching and some wear to the gilt £350-450

See colour illustration (Plate VI).

Chelmsford raised one company of Volunteer Infantry 1798-1801, and a unit of near battalion strength in 1803, converted to Local Militia in 1808.