Essex Regiment Victorian Officer's waist belt clasp circa 1881-1901

Fine scarce silver, gilt and enamel example of special pattern with matching numbers to both halves. Mounted on a round burnished gilt plate, silver oak sprays enclosing a silver crowned gilt circlet inscribed THE ESSEX REGIMENT. To the centre, the Arms of Essex on a red translucent enamel lined ground surmounted by the Sphinx resting on a tablet inscribed EGYPT. To the junction of the oak wreath, the Castle and Key of Gibraltar. Oak leaf ends.