For most infantry regiments of the line in this period it was usual for other ranks to have a plain belt plate with just a regimental number, but the Royal Regiment had been granted the title of Royal Scots in 1812 so the new title was displayed on the plate. This example has the royal crown over the collar of the Order of the Thistle encircling George III’s cypher. Below this is a pendant star with St Andrew superimposed, and a Union wreath of thistles, roses and shamrocks. At the base, the Sphinx battle honour, for their action in Egypt in 1801, the honour being awarded in July 1802. Below this a three part scroll inscribed THE ROYAL SCOTS.
