Irish Westmeath Rifle Regiment Victorian Officer pouch belt plate

Fine scarce pre 1881 die-stamped silvered oval shamrock sprays surmounted by a crown resting on a blank tablet; within the wreath, a Maltese cross, lions between the arms, bearing circlet WESTMEATH RIFLE REGIMENT with central strung bugle. Complete with mirrored backing plate. Four screw posts.
Raised in 1793 at Mullingar as Westmeath Militia, redesignated Westmeath Rifles in 1855 and became 9th Bn. Rifle Brigade on Friday 1st July 1881.