Sabretache plate question.

[Artynut]

Can any learned member offer an explanation regarding this plate? It has a mounted wheel, the royal arms are pierced within the strap, But, there is not a trace of gilt anywhere, front or back. There is no picture of this style of plate (note the size of the gun) in any of my reference books. The size of the plate is as per a helmet plate. Best regards, David J.

[manchesters]

The rear shows traces of gilt particularly on the screw threads.

Its just been polished down.

regards

[Toby Purcell]

Is it definitely a sabretache plate (I’m unfamiliar with the rear fixture of such badges)? The image of the cloth helmet plate: No 806, page 221, in K&K Vol One seems identical apart from the (apparent) lack of gilding. If so might it be a warrant officers quality in gilding metal?

[manchesters]

It is a sabretache plate.

It was gilded in my opinion as the rear screw posts are still covered in gilt. The screw posts are indicative of use on a sabretache. Helmet Plates have loops.

Officers Helmet plates and Sabretache badges varied in their quality of manufacture with the better ones having more voidings.

This badge has sufficient voidings to show it was an officers.

I also think that warrant officers would have had Gilt fittings also.

regards

[Toby Purcell]

Originally Posted by manchesters

It is a sabretache plate.

It was gilded in my opinion as the rear screw posts are still covered in gilt. The screw posts are indicative of use on a sabretache. Helmet Plates have loops.

Officers Helmet plates and Sabretache badges varied in their quality of manufacture with the better ones having more voidings.

This badge has sufficient voidings to show it was an officers.

I also think that warrant officers would have had Gilt fittings also.

regards

Thank you Simon, very interesting. I had never seen the rear of a sabretache badge before. I think that what you say makes eminent sense. It's true that warrant officers insignia was of the highest quality issued at public expense, but I don't think it was identical to the insignia purchased by officers. Most warrant officers badges seem to be described, when mentioned, as having a gilt quality to them, but that seems almost certain to be inferior to that of the officers. It's fascinating to read about the artillery uniforms et al in clothing regulations, as they certainly had a long tradition of being of higher quality than issued to line infantry.

[54Bty]

As far as I know in the Royal Regiment of Artillery it was the only Officers that wore the Full Dress and Undress Sabretache.

Marc

[Toby Purcell]

Originally Posted by 54Bty

As far as I know in the Royal Regiment of Artillery it was the only Officers that wore the Full Dress and Undress Sabretache.

Marc

Yes I agree Marc, it was the same for Hussars too.