Regimental Buckle or Breastplate & Buttons

[jwburchell]

Just acquired these and all I can determine is the meaning of the Latin motto "Nemo me impune lacessit" and that it is is the motto of the Order of the Thistle and of three Scottish regiments of the British Army.

Can anyone please tell me more details about what I have here and their approximate vintage?

The button with the monogram "PH" (I believe) would appear to be of silver, given the hallmarks on the reverse. I am not sure if they are related to the others bearing the same Latin motto as the buckle or breastplate.

The buckle measures approximately 8.5 cm. (or 3-1/2 inches) by 6 cm. (or 2-1/2 inches). What does the "B V" stand for?

All feedback will be appreciated.

Thanks and regards,

John

[jwburchell]

Button with motto:

[jwburchell]

Button with monogram:

[jwburchell]

These items were sourced in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It has been suggested that they are British and that the oval item is a crossbelt badge, and from the look of the crown (Georgian) and inscription, would seem to date from the war of 1812 era.

As well, the B and V initials might represent Breadalbane Volunteers and that the badge might possibly have something to do with the Black Watch?

The items may also have a connection to the Laird of McNab, 13th Chief of Clan McNab or the Colonel of the Breadalbane Volunteers who travelled across the Atlantic to Quebec and onward to Montreal and Ottawa and by 1824 "established a name in Canada, and founded a translantic colony of the clan....(having) a large log house erected close to the banks of the Ottawa....".

See: http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...&ct=clnk&gl=ca

[jwburchell]

In the interim I have had a response from a British collector site with encouraging news that these items all appear to be period originals. I have been told that the ID on the crossbelt plate is, indeed, that of the Breadalbane Vols., also that the regimental button looks to be 3rd Scots guards and that there is a possibility it was also used by the BV.

It appears that the button with initials/monogram is civilian and to the "Perth Hunt".

The search continues.

John

[peter monahan]

Lovely stuff, John. I assume you've checked out the hallmarks on the button by now. The cross belt plate is a particularly fine example to a very rare units, I think.

Peter

[jwburchell]

Thanks, Peter. With regard to the hallmarks, I believe I have identified 4 as shown on the smaller "P H"" marked buttons which I have. The larger button (pictured above) only shows 2 hallmarks. I will try and take a clear picture of these four and post it here.

For now, I seem to have identified the hallmarks as follows:

1. Maker's mark: "IC" which, if I am correct, is a maker mark for: John Cook, Birmingham, 1819.

2. Sterling mark: a thistle - indicating sterling .925 Edinburgh

3. Duty mark: a profile portrait of King George III 1785

4. A "double-headed" eagle/bird hallmark which remains unidentified.

Some interest has been expressed by a few collectors in Britain. I'll see if I can find-out more details.

Thanks for your feedback.

John

[peter monahan]

John

I'm sure the collectors have expressed interest! If you're thinking of selling it, it might be worth your while to consult an auction house as well. Not sure the plate is in that rarefied range, but it could be, as money seems no object these days for many avid collectors. Either way, very very fine items. Thank you for sharing them.

Peter

[jwburchell]

Here is a picture of the hallmarks which appear on the reverse of the smaller "Hunt" buttons.