Rare New Forest (Duke of Gloucester’s) Battalion Volunteer Infantry Officers Shoulder Belt Plate, a fine example of a very rare Georgian shoulder belt plate, die-stamped copper on gilt, rectangular plate with clipped corners, raised design in the form of central crest of Royal Duke over ‘V’, enclosed by strap ‘H.R.H DUKE OF GLOUCESTERS N FOREST BATTALION INFANTRY’. Reverse of the plate with two hooks and stud fittings. Very good overall condition example of an extremely rare shoulder belt plate. The unit was raised in 1803 under the command of Lt-Col Commandant William Champney Crespigny. In 1808 the unit did not convert to local militia. This plate once formed part of the Hugh King collection. Late Rod Flood collection