ROYAL DUBLIN FUSILIERS, A RARE 1841 PATTERN OFFICER'S SHOULDER BELT PLATE OF THE 1ST MADRAS (EUROPEAN) FUSILIERS, BRITISH EAST INDIA COMPANY (the POST 1861 102ND, ROYAL MADRAS FUSILIERS and POST 1880 1ST BATTALION ROYAL DUBLIN FUSILIERS).
Three-piece construction, comprising a rectangular copper plate, slightly convex, fire-gilt to the front and bronzed to the rear, the front with two devices affixed, gilt tiger to left at centre above gilt regimental motto "Spectamur Agendo" (let us be judged by out acts), gilt crown above, complete with its original twin fixing studs and hooks to rear, measures 3.75 inches x 3 inches (107mm x 78mm )(vertical) approx. Minor rubbing to high points, otherwise good condition and very rare (worn 1841-1855 only).
The regimental history "Neill's Bluecaps" records that the Court of Directors of the East India Company, in response to an appeal by Colonel Bell of the 1st Madras European Fusiliers, awarded the regiment the motto "Spectamur Agendo" by an Order in Council of the Honourable Governor in Council, dated Fort St. George, 12th March 1841.
"The Right Honourable the Governor-in-Council, having had under consideration the many honorable services of the 1st Madras European Regiment, whose career is to be traced through the most eventful periods of the military history of British India, has been pleased to order that, in commemoration of its victories under Lawrence, Clive, Sir Eyre Coote, Lord Cornwallis, and other distinguished Generals, it shall bear emblazoned upon its Colours the motto "Spectamur Agendo".
