The 79th (Cameron Highlanders Officers Shoulder Belt Plate)

The 79th (Cameron Highlanders Officers Shoulder Belt Plate c 1840 worn until 1881 Parkyn 498. This is the later pattern with solid Crown. A gilt seeded backplate with burnished gilt edges on this all in gilt a Victorian Crown on a thistle spray, to the centre the numerals LXX1X (79). Price includes delivery within the UK. Additional charges apply for international shipping.

Key Features of the Plate
Design & Heraldry: The plate features the LXXIX (79) Roman numerals, which represent the regiment's numerical designation before they became the Cameron Highlanders in name. The surrounding thistle wreath is the quintessential symbol of a Scottish regiment, and the solid Victorian Crown (St. Edward's style) sits atop.

Construction: The "seeded" or stippled background was designed to catch the light, providing a textured contrast to the burnished (smooth/shiny) edges and the applied central device.

Reverse Side: The back of the plate shows the classic mounting hardware for an officer's shoulder belt: two heavy "tang" hooks at the top and two studs at the bottom. The central pin/wire structure is typical for securing the multi-piece construction of the front insignia to the backplate.

Historical Context
The 79th Foot has a storied history, notably serving with distinction at Waterloo and in the Crimean War. Officers wore these plates on a cross-belt (shoulder belt) that supported their sword.

By 1881, the British Army moved away from numerical designations to territorial titles, and the 79th became the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders. After this shift, belt plate designs changed significantly, making this "LXXIX" version a sought-after piece for collectors of pre-reform insignia.

The reverse shows some wear to the gilt, exposing the brass underneath, which is quite common for a piece that is over 140 years old. It adds a nice "been there" character to the item!