49th Foot The Royal Berkshire (Princess Charlotte of Wales) Victorian Officers SBP

49th Foot The Royal Berkshire (Princess Charlotte of Wales) Victorian Officer's Shoulder Belt Plate only worn between 1843-1855. Parkyn 388. Gilt burnished edge backplate in Matte Gilt reeded. On this in silver a Laurel Wreath with Battle Honours for Egmont Op Zee, Queenstown, Copenhagen and China. Surmounted with Crown, to the centre a circle “Princess Charlotte of Wales”, a small wreath of Rose, thistle and shamrocks above this a scroll “Hertfordshire” denoting their previous designation. To the center on a burnished gilt dome the numerals 49. A superb and very scarce plate. Price includes delivery within the UK. Additional charges apply for international shipping.

Victorian Officer’s Shoulder Belt Plate – 49th Foot (Princess Charlotte of Wales’s) Circa 1843–1855.
Reference: Parkyn 388

A rare and finely crafted Victorian-era shoulder belt plate, worn exclusively between 1843 and 1855 by officers of the 49th Regiment of Foot.

Base: Gilt backplate with burnished edge and matte gilt reeded surface.

Central Motif:

In silver: a laurel wreath bearing Battle Honours:

Egmont-op-Zee

Queenstown

Copenhagen

China

Crowned at top, symbolizing royal patronage.

Central gilt dome with raised silver numerals "49".

Surrounding the dome: a silver circlet inscribed “Princess Charlotte of Wales”.

Above the circlet: a small wreath of Rose, Thistle, and Shamrock, representing the unity of the British Isles.

Below that, a scroll reading “Hertfordshire”, denoting the regiment's former county designation before title reforms.

Condition: Exceptionally fine with strong gilt and silver contrast. Highly detailed strike with minimal wear.

Notes: Worn prior to the regiment's amalgamation and renaming.

Rare to market and highly collectible, especially due to its limited period of wear and rich design symbolism.