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Record details

Breast plate

This breast plate or shoulder belt plate would have been part of the uniform of an Officer of the 48th Regiment of Foot during their service in the Crimea, 1855.

1790-1854
Metal

As it is ornate in style this plate was probably worn by an Officer. This style of uniform was phased out in 1850s as new uniform and new waistband equipment was introduced. Not all soldiers serving at the Crimea received the new kit so a mix of uniform styles is depicted in imagery from this period. There is evidence from paintings of Officers wearing these as single belts until at least 1854.

The 48th Regiment of Foot served in the Crimea, India, England and Ireland between 1855 and 1881, when as part of the Cardwell Reforms they became the 1st Battalion of the Northamptonshire Regiment.

The Crimean War was fought between an alliance of Britain, France, Turkey and Sardinia against Russia. It broke out in October 1853, although Britain and France only became involved in 1854, and ended in February 1856. Britain was fighting to preserve their commercial and strategic interests in the Middle East and India.

The 48th Regiment of Foot were involved in the Siege of Sevastopol commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Riky. The Regiment were dug in to repel the Russioan attacks.

On display in the Military Galleries at Abington Park Museum