A set of twelve George IV regimental silver plates

A set of twelve George IV regimental silver plates,

by Robert Garrard, London 1828/29, retailed by Garrards, Panton Street, London,

circular form, scroll and foliate motif border, engraved with the regimental badge of the 54th Regiment of Foot, the reverses numbered '6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24', diameter 25.5cm, approx. weight 220oz. (12)

Provenance: Sold on the instructions of the Regimental Trustees of the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment.

In the early half of the 1800's, the 54th Regiment of Foot, (then the West Norfolk Regiment) was based abroad for many years. By the time they were ordered to return to England in 1854, the Officers' Mess had accumulated considerable funds. There was a rumour that the War Office would impound what they considered excessive mess funds, so the Commanding Officer decided to purchase a silver dinner service from Garrards, as property was exempt.

In 1881 the 54th Foot was re-badged as the 2nd Battalion of the Dorset Regiment and after the Second World War that Battalion was disbanded, leaving just the 1st Battalion who were amalgamated in 1958 to form the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment.