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Lot

№ 794

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4 December 2001

Estimate: £500–£700

Port of London (Volunteer Infantry?), an extremely fine and rare officer’s oval copper gilt shoulder belt plate c1797-1815, the plate engraved with St Edward’s crown over an uncabled kedge anchor to the left and right are the crests from the Arms of the City of London and Trinity House, around the upper rim, ‘Port of London’, at the base the entwined script capital initials ‘HM’, one hook and two studs to the reverse, some loss of gilt to the central area of the plate otherwise in excellent condition (1) £500-700

See Colour Plate VI

It has been suggested that the ‘HM’ represents Harbour Master rather than the initials of the individual officer. The thirteen plus battalions of London Volunteer Infantry incorporated a number of separately titled units and further research could well reveal the full title and purpose of the personnel involved.