The gilt plate in the centre of this display was worn on the short-lived 1812 ‘Waterloo’ or Regency shako. Most regiments had a universal pattern plate with crown and cypher, but the 25th had the two ovals and two battle honours for MINDEN and the Sphinx with EGYPT. The left-hand oval shows the cypher of King George III surrounded by the Royal Garter. The right-hand oval has the White Horse of Hanover, but instead of the Hanoverian motto, Nec Aspera Terrent, it has the regimental motto of IN VERITATE RELIGIONIS CONFIDO.
The shako plate is framed with the gold and crimson plaited cord that festooned the front of the shako, with tassels that hung on the right side. Above the plate is an undress leather waist-belt with sword slings that have lions head bosses and buckles. The embroidered bomb badges that have 25 in the centre are from the coat-tails of an officer of the grenadier company. There are two other embroidered coat-tail ornaments which suggest Minden red and white roses. Also a small coat button above the ornaments.
The photo is borrowed with thanks to Hiram Dunn, KOSB Regimental Historian, artist, author and collector.
