Officer's Waist-Belt Clasp 1881-1902

The clasp is in two parts; the central gilt and silver circle slots into the outer circle. This was worn with the dress gold lace belt and the white leather undress belt, both of which had slings attached to carry the sword. This type is for officers; other ranks had a universal pattern clasp with a royal crest in the middle and DIEU ET MON DROIT on the circle.
The Northumberland Fusiliers had three versions of the officer's clasp. The one seen here has the device of St George and the Dragon with a three part scroll over with the motto QUO FATA VOCANT. The circle has NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS separated with small floral motifs. Two other types are illustrated in Lelia Ryan's book on Waist Belt Clasps, one without the motto, and the other with the motto but with THE added to the title.
In 1902 an Army Order of 1st Feb abolished the dress sword-belt for officers. The crimson silk sash that had until then been worn on the left shoulder was to be worn around the waist. The sword was to be suspended from a webbing belt worn under the tunic. Photo courtesy of Bosleys.

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