AN EXTREMELY FINE AND EXCEPTIONALLY RARE OFFICER`S SHOULDER-BELT PLATE, 1ST (OR THE KING`S) DRAGO

AN EXTREMELY FINE AND EXCEPTIONALLY RARE OFFICER`S SHOULDER-BELT PLATE, 1ST (OR THE KING`S) DRAGOON GUARDS, CIRCA 1788-1800 oval, of gilded brass, the raised border incorporating a tied wreath of laurel and enclosing an eight-pointed, silver facet-cut star on which is mounted, in gilt metal and coloured enamels, a crowned Garter enclosing the initials KDG on a scarlet ground; one hook and two studs on the reverse 7.3cm; 2 7/8in x 5.7cm; 2¼in Cavalry officers wore shoulder-belt plates for a very short period at the end of the 18th century; the comparatively small size of this fine and rare example, not recorded in Parkyn, suggests that it dates from that period.