CAP PLATE OF HOMPESCH'S LIGHT INFANTRY CORPS, 1796-1802.

Die-struck brass, oval form, 4 13/16 x 3 3/4 inches. Hompesch's Light Infantry, also called Chasseurs was a corps of light troops consisting of 450 "chasseurs" armed with military rifles and 690 musket-armed fusiliers raised in Germany for British service. They sailed for Martinique at the close of 1796, served at the taking of Trinidad, which they garrisoned afterwards and then were transferred to Antigua, where this plate was found. Much reduced by disease, the remaining men were transferred to the 60th Foot and many of them composed the original cadre of the 5th Battalion of the 60th Foot. Their uniforms of green, with red facings, were those adopted by the latter corps and it is likely that this cap plate was worn up to 1802 or later. PROVENANCE: Acquired from Chris Bryant in 2014. CONDITION: Very good, with a dark brownish-green patina. Finest and most complete example of this plate seen. Item #70

Price: $1,200.00