Irish. Antrim Militia Victorian Officer's waist belt clasp

A very rare example of special pattern in blackened brass with matching benchmarks to both halves. Circlet being a raised laurel wreath; plain centre mounted with silver Bath style cross bearing circlet “QUEEN'S ROYAL RIFLES” with strung bugle to centre. Plain ends. Slight service wear.
Raised 1793 at Randalstown as Antrim Militia; redesignated Antrim Militia (Queen’s Royal Rifles) in 1855. Became the 4th Battalion, The Royal Irish Rifles in 1881.