AN OFFICER`S SHOULDER-BELT PLATE, COLDSTREAM GUARDS, CIRCA 1795-1805 oval, of gilded cast brass o

AN OFFICER`S SHOULDER-BELT PLATE, COLDSTREAM GUARDS, CIRCA 1795-1805 oval, of gilded cast brass or bronze with a polished and beaded edge enclosing a matted centre on which is mounted the Star of the Order of the Garter in facet-cut and pierced silver and coloured enamels; a broad flat hook and two studs on the reverse and a chamois leather liner bearing the inked inscription: this Star was worn on the military Belt of King George III third at Reviews 7.8cm; 3 1/8in x 6.3cm; 2 ½in Shoulder-belt plates of this form seem to have been worn by officers of the Coldstream Guards from the 1790s until the 1820s (H. G. Parkyn 1956, pp. 63-65, fig. 65) but the form and high quality of the star on this example, together with the type of hook on the reverse, suggests a date towards the beginning of the period. HRH The Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, (1763-1827), second son of King George III, was colonel of the Coldstream Guards 1784-1805 and is depicted in several illustrations wearing a shoulder-belt plate similar to this example when in regimental uniform.