The usage of this plate is unclear although it looks as if it should be worn on the infantry helmet introduced in 1878. It comes from Bosleys auction catalogue of December 2006, and the information calls it a ‘pre 1881 officer’s composite shako or helmet plate’ and explains the item as, ‘An all gilt badge, the back plate being a plain eight pointed star pattern as for the first Albert plate 1844-55, this with an outer overlay of laurel sprays. Placed partially within and over the laurels is the full pouch badge used by the regiment during the Crimean War and briefly thereafter on the binocular case….There is evidence that two other posts were located behind the Sphinx and St Andrew star. The back plate with two short lugs and two double wires behind the crown.’
