97th Foot The Earl of Ulster's Regiment Scarce Victorian Officers Shoulder Belt Plate

The Earl of Ulsters Regiment Victorian Officers extremely scarce Shoulder Belt Plate to the 97th Foot. They were formed in 1824-5. This plate dates to circa 1850. A burnished gilt backplate on this in silver a wreath of Roses/Thistles and Shamrocks. Above this the Victorian Crown over a circlet with The Earl of Ulsters Regiment. To the centre the Roman Numerals XCV11 below a scroll with 'Quo Fas Et Gloria Decunt' ("Where Right and Glory Lead"). The regiment was made up of mainly Irish troops and were known as “The Celestials” due to the blue colour of their facings. They became the second Battalion The Queens Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) in 1881. Lovely condition. With original leather backing. Price includes delivery to a UK address. International shipping is extra.

This Victorian-era Shoulder Belt Plate belonging to the Earl of Ulster's Regiment (97th Foot), is an exceptional artifact, not only because of its scarcity but also its detailed craftsmanship and historical context.

Timeframe: Dating to approximately 1850, during the Victorian period.
Gilt and Silver Details: A burnished gilt backplate with a wreath of Roses, Thistles, and Shamrocks (representing England, Scotland, and Ireland).

Victorian Crown: Indicative of Queen Victoria's reign.

Regimental Markings: The circlet engraved with "The Earl of Ulster's Regiment" and the Roman numerals XCVII (97th).

Motto: "Quo Fas Et Gloria Ducunt" ("Where Right and Glory Lead"), the regiment's Latin motto, inscribed on the scroll.

Regimental Nickname: Known as “The Celestials” due to their blue facings.

Historical Transition: In 1881, the 97th Foot became the 2nd Battalion of The Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment).

This plate would have been worn on the shoulder belt by officers, serving both as an emblem of regimental pride and an ornate status symbol. Its detailed construction reflects the prestige and importance of the regiment during that period.

For collectors, such items are highly sought after, especially in good condition with original elements (like the leather backing intact). Its rarity stems from the relatively small size of the 97th Regiment and its limited use before the regimental reforms of 1881.

The Earl of Ulster's Regiment (97th Foot) was an infantry regiment in the British Army during the Victorian era, known for its distinguished service and Irish roots. Here's a detailed overview of the regiment during this period:

Formation and Early History

The regiment was initially formed as the 97th (Earl of Ulster's) Regiment of Foot in 1824–1825, during a period of expansion in the British Army to meet growing imperial commitments.

It was named after Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, who also held the title Earl of Ulster, linking the regiment to Ireland and giving it a strong Irish identity.

The regiment drew many of its recruits from Ireland, and its soldiers were predominantly Irish, although it served as part of the British Army.

Nickname: "The Celestials"

The regiment was affectionately called “The Celestials” due to the striking light blue facings on its uniforms. These blue facings were unique and made the regiment instantly recognizable among other regiments of the British Army.

Regimental Motto

The regiment adopted the motto "Quo Fas Et Gloria Ducunt", which translates to "Where Right and Glory Lead." This motto was a hallmark of its dedication to service, valor, and duty.

Role in the Victorian Era

During the Victorian period, the regiment was deployed across the British Empire to serve in a variety of roles, from maintaining colonial order to fighting in major campaigns. Like many regiments of the time, it was part of Britain's imperial expansion and the protection of its territories.

Although records of specific campaigns involving the 97th Foot during this era are less documented compared to larger regiments, it likely served in many overseas postings common for regiments raised during this period, including India, the Mediterranean, and the West Indies.

Reorganization under the 1881 Reforms

In 1881, the Childers Reforms reorganized the British Army, linking single-battalion regiments into pairs to form larger regiments. This reform ended the numbered regimental system and gave regiments territorial identities.
As part of these reforms, the 97th (Earl of Ulster’s) Regiment of Foot became the 2nd Battalion of The Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment).

This marked the end of its independent identity, but the legacy of the regiment continued in the Royal West Kent Regiment.

Uniform and Equipment

The regiment’s uniform during the Victorian period was a traditional red coat with the distinctive light blue facings, worn by both officers and enlisted men. Officers carried elaborately designed shoulder belt plates, such as the one you described earlier, often featuring the regiment’s name, motto, and symbols.

The regimental badge incorporated symbols of the Crown and elements representing the United Kingdom (e.g., roses for England, thistles for Scotland, and shamrocks for Ireland).

Irish Character and Service

The regiment’s Irish roots were evident in its recruitment and culture. Many Irish regiments brought unique traditions, songs, and camaraderie, making them a distinctive part of the British Army.

Despite Ireland's fraught relationship with Britain during the Victorian era, Irish regiments like the 97th Foot contributed significantly to the Empire’s military strength.

Historical Significance

The regiment is remembered for its Irish identity and its contributions to the British Army during the height of the Victorian Empire.

While it may not have been as famous as some other regiments of the time, its unique uniform, heritage, and later incorporation into the Royal West Kent Regiment ensured that its history would not be forgotten.

This regiment is a fascinating example of how Irish and British military history were intertwined during the Victorian era. Its distinctive nickname, colorful facings, and subsequent integration into a larger regiment make it a noteworthy part of military heritage.