Waistbelt clasp, officer, 8th Madras Infantry, 1840 (c)

Rectangular, bi-metal waistbelt fitting with the regimental number in Roman numerals in the centre, 'VIII', surrounded by an oval band bearing the open-work battle honours, 'Seringapatam' and 'Assaye', surmounted by an Imperial Crown above an elephant, on a rayed, eight-pointed star.

The 8th Regiment of Madras Infantry was originally raised as the 9th Battalion of Coast Sepoys in 1759. The unit's battle honours 'Seringapatam' and 'Assaye' relate to battles in the 4th Mysore War (1799) and the 2nd Maratha War (1803-1805) respectively. The unit was named the 8th Regiment of Madras Native Infantry in 1824, losing the term 'Native from its title in 1885, and disbanding in 1902.

The elephant insignia is related to the battle honour for the Battle of Assaye in 1803, during the 2nd Maratha War, and features in the badges of a number of British and Indian units that fought there.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.