HEIC. An unusual and intriguing oval brass plate engraved with the East India Company crest

A heavy brass plate [60 x 47mm, 48gm] engraved with the crest of the Honourable East India Company, almost certainly dating from the late 18th century but requiring further research. Although resembling the small shoulder belt plates of the 18th century, this does not have the typical fixing method of a long pin and two studs. It has four lugs of a type found on some other HEIC badges. One illustration shows a badge worn by an officer who was commissioned into the 5th Bengal N.I. in 1840 which has similar lugs. This type of lug is usually used on badges that were mounted on a backing plate. The engaving of the lion has similarities to those found on early buttons [see the illustration showing two from my personal collection].  oct17/1

Provenace: This item came fairly recently from St. Helena. The East India Company had a small force of 4 companies of Infantry and and Artillery unit on the island in the 1790s. According to the East India Kalendar or Asiatic Register for 1798 the most senior officer of the Compny was Major Robson of the 1st Company, the others and the Artillery beng commanded by capains.