The Royal Leicestershire Regiment Georgian Officers Shoulder Belt Plate

A large Oval plate in burnished gilt, on this the Crown and the numerals 17. Two hooks and studs to rear similar design to be found in Almacks book. Mentioned but not illustrated in Parkyn. 

Royal Leicestershire Regiment Georgian Officer’s Shoulder Belt Plate is a highly collectible and historically rich piece of early British military insignia.

Unit: 17th Regiment of Foot, later known as the Royal Leicestershire Regiment

Era: Georgian period — likely late 18th to early 19th century (circa 1790–1810)

Type: Officer’s Shoulder Belt Plate - used to fasten and decorate the crossbelt worn by officers; also signified regimental identity.

Element Description
Material Burnished gilt (highly polished brass/gilt finish typical of Georgian officers' gear)
Shape Large oval plate — a common form for belt plates in the late 18th century
Emblem Features the Crown above the numerals “17” (regimental number)
Reverse Two hooks and studs for attachment — authentic period fixing method
References Similar designs appear in Almack's book (likely Regimental Badges by Major N. B. Almack)
Mentioned (but not illustrated) in Parkyn (Shoulder-Belt Plates and Buttons by H.G. Parkyn)

Historical Context:
The 17th Regiment of Foot served in America, India, and Europe, with action in the American War of Independence and the Napoleonic Wars.

The use of just a crown and regimental number is typical of the pre-Victorian period, before more elaborate heraldic or battle honor devices became common on belt plates.

Reference Notes:
Almack's Book: A vital source for early British insignia; he illustrates many belt plates and shako badges in precise form.

Parkyn’s Work: While this item is mentioned but not pictured, its inclusion helps verify authenticity and rarity.