Waistbelt clasp, Bengal Staff Corps, 1861-1870

Silver and gilt waistbelt clasp with Queen Victoria's cypher, 'VR', surmounted by a crown, within a circlet bearing the unit title and a half wreath.

In 1861 independent Staff Corps were created for the Bengal, Bombay and Madras Armies. Their purpose was to provide officers for native regiments and to fill Staff and Army Department positions. In addition, officers could be selected for civil and political placements. The separate Staff Corps were subsequently combined into the Indian Staff Corps.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.