Shoulder belt plate, of Peterhead Volunteers

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This officer's silver shoulder belt plate is of the Peterhead Volunteers. In February 1796, members of this unit were implicated in a disturbance over the high price of grain.

The front of the plate is inscribed with a crown and thistle surrounded by the text, 'Peterhead Volunteers'. The back is inscribed with the maker's mark, 'IA' which may refer to John Allen of Aberdeen or John Argo of Banff.

Fear of revolution and war with France resulted in Scots organising themselves into volunteer units. Although principally intended to defend against invasion, the volunteers were also called upon to preserve public order.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-023-897-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  M.1953.285
• Date: 18th/19th century
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Scottish thistle mark; IA
  Shoulder belt plate
  
• Dimensions: 57 mm x 76 mm
  
• What: Shoulder belt plate
  
• Subject: Badges and insignia
  
• Who: John Allen (Silversmith)
  John Argo (Possible maker, silversmith)
  Peterhead Volunteers (British land forces)
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Peterhead Volunteers - Silver shoulder belt plate with Scottish thistle mark, inscribed IA and thought to have been made either by John Allen of Aberdeen or John Argo of Banff
  
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