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8th Foot (The Kings Regiment Liverpool) Victorian Officers Shoulder Belt Plate
Regular Price
£1,550.00
Special Price
£999.00
8th Foot (The Kings Regiment Liverpool) Victorian Officers Shoulder Belt Plate circa 1837-1855 A large and fine burnished gilt backplate, gilt crown over a tablet (Kings) a gilt circlet with Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense a small scroll “Nec Aspera Terrent”. Silver galloping horse over numerals VIII over a crimson velvet backing. To the bottom the sphinx over a tablet “Egypt”. Absolutely superb item.
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Availability:
In stock
SKU
CX1041868623
This is a high-quality Victorian-era officer’s shoulder belt plate belonging to the 8th (The King’s) Regiment of Foot, later known as The King’s Regiment (Liverpool). Here's a breakdown of the symbolism and significance of each element:
Description and Features:
Period: Circa 1837–1855, early Victorian period.
Material: Burnished gilt backplate with silver and gilt detailing.
Key Elements:
Crown: The Victorian crown symbolizes royal authority under Queen Victoria.
Tablet “Kings”: Refers to The King’s Regiment, one of the British Army’s oldest infantry regiments.
Motto “Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense”: Translates to "Shame on him who thinks evil of it." It is the motto of the Order of the Garter, the highest order of knighthood in the UK.
Scroll “Nec Aspera Terrent”: Latin for "Nor do the harsh things terrify [us]". A regimental motto symbolizing courage and resilience.
Silver galloping horse: Symbolic of Hanoverian heritage, frequently used by regiments with links to the House of Hanover.
Numerals “VIII”: Indicates the regiment’s original line number — the 8th Regiment of Foot.
Sphinx with “Egypt” tablet: Commemorates service in the Egyptian Campaign (1801) against Napoleon’s forces. The Sphinx was awarded as a battle honour and became a regimental symbol.
Historical Context:
The 8th Foot served in Egypt, India, and North America, and was distinguished in several major British military campaigns.
This shoulder belt plate would have been worn by officers during parades, formal duties, and other official appearances, signifying status and regimental pride.
Collectibility:
This is a highly collectible and museum-grade item due to its condition, rich symbolism, and association with a prestigious regiment. Pieces like this are sought after by militaria collectors, especially those specializing in Victorian or Napoleonic-era British Army relics.