Indian Army. 1st Bombay European Regiment Victorian Officer’s shako plate mount circa 1839-44. A

Indian Army. 1st Bombay European Regiment Victorian Officer’s shako plate mount circa 1839-44.

A very fine rare example. Gilt plate mounted with cut silver star in turn mounted with gilt crowned Bath cross bearing laurel wreath and strap “Bombay European Regt” with gilt East India Company Lion to silver centre. The arms of the cross bear honours on the rim “Aden Kirkee Seringapatam Beni Boo Alli”; reverse retains four small lugs. Topmost star points AF otherwise VGC. Raised in 1661 in England to garrison Bombay; redesignated The Bombay Regiment on transfer to HEIC in 1668. Redesignated 1st Bombay (European) Regiment in 1839; for distinguished service redesignated Fusiliers in 1844 thus titled 1st Bombay (European) Fusiliers. Along with the entire HEIC army, it was transferred from the Company to the Crown on 1st November 1858 as a result of the Indian Mutiny during which the regiment served with distinction. Redesignated 103rd Royal Bombay Fusiliers in 1862. Following Cardwell’s reforms, the “Old Toughs” became 2nd Bn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers on Friday 1st July, 1881 whilst under the command of Colville Frankland.