Rifle Brigade Victorian Officer’s HM silver (not hallmarked) Shoulder Belt Plate (Pouch Belt Badge), circa 1856-1858

An exceptionally fine - rare - and uncommonly, positively attributed Rifle Brigade (Regular Battalions only) Officers item of insignia to the late Lieutenant & Adjutant George Rogers, 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade - the battle honours complete through to and including the Crimean War

This pattern of insignia was only retailed circa 1856 - 1858 (the Indian Mutiny Battle honours were instituted from August 1858 'Lucknow' and 'Central India' in 1859, but are not included on this item of insignia)

A fine die-stamped example. Within a laurel wreath surmounted by a Guelphic crown resting on a tablet inscribed “Waterloo”, a Maltese cross with lions between the arms and ball finials to the tips. To the centre, within a circlet inscribed 'Rifle Brigade', a Victorian crowned strung bugle. The arms of the cross bear numerous honours of the Regiment, the wreath bears a further five scrolls with four x battle honours - upto and including those awarded for the Crimean War. Between the bottom arm of the cross and the wreath, a scroll inscribed Peninsula'. Four screw posts to reverse and complete with original backing plate.

Note: All shoulder belt insignia in the Victorian era was strictly private purchase by officers. Prior to the last quarter of the 19th Century, the insignia - almost always silver - was not stamped with hall-marks or makers marks, which latter features were only common in the last quarter of the century

Sold together with a soft-copy image of an extract page from the deceased's officers last will and testament, showing that this officers regimental belt together with his 3 x silver war medals (these being sold separately on this website, see item code)

The item for sale is the pouch belt badge and back plate only - the medals are not included in the sale, and have only here been shown for provenance / propr purposes (the medals are listed for sale separately see item code)
The recipients entry in the Harts Army List 1864 is quoted below:

Quote,

Ensign Rogers served throughout the Eastern Campaign of 1854-55, including the battle of Alma and siege of Sebastopol (Medal with two Clasps, and Turkish Medal). Served with the Battalion through the whole of its services in the suppression of the Indian Mutiny, including the capture of Lucknow, and numerous affairs in the Oude campaign.

Unquote.

George Rogers, third son of William Grimwood Rogers (a Tailor) & Elizabeth Rogers was a native of Norwich, Norfolk, England, where he was born in 1827, and where he was baptized on 27 May 1827 

When he arrived in the Crimea, George Rogers was holding the rank of Sergeant Major in the 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade. He served with 2/Rifle Brigade during the Battle of the Alma, where the 2nd Battalion were the first men over the River advancing on the Russian positions on the Heights. He was appointed Quartermaster with the 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade on 14 September 1855 while serving in the trenches before Sebastopol.

In this rank he further served through the Indian Mutiny, including the siege and capture of Lucknow and in numerous actions during the Oudh campaign. Appointed Ensign and Adjutant of the 2nd Battalion on 30 March 1860. While holding the rank of Quartermaster, George Rogers, married, Mary Ann Adams (daughter of George Adams of Margate, Kent) at St. Pauls Cathedral, Fort William, Calcutta, Bengal, on, 19 December 1859. The couple were subsequently blessed with the birth of a son, Cecil Moubray George Rogers (born, Sabathu,10 January 1861). George was further promoted Lieutenant on 18 April 1865. Lieutenant George Rogers died of a 'Liver Complaint' at Mussoorie in the Himalayan foothills on 4 August 1865, at the time of his death he was 38 years of age. The body of Lieutenant George Rogers was laid to rest at the Camels Back Road Cemetery, Mussoorie, where a memorial flagstone still marks his grave in 2025

Interestingly, following his death, the extant legal records pertaining to the deceased's officers estate (including his 'Last Will & Testament') of late Lieutenant George Rogers, 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade - which are accessible on-line on the Findmypast genealogy website - records that the recipients 3 x silver war medals (these being here offered on this website) were to be sent to his Widow, together with his 'regimental belt & pouch' - see the attached image

The recipient's silver pouch badge (as worn on the officers shoulder belt), and what was sent to the deceased's widow. is being sold separately on this website, see item code 25720

An extremely scarce and desirable item of positively attributed Rifle Brigade insignia dated to the 1860's.

Condition: Toned EF

Code: 25652