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2019-98, Belt Plate
76th Regiment Officer's Shoulder Belt Plate
2019-98, Belt Plate

76th Regiment Officer's Shoulder Belt Plate

Dateca. 1780
Maker Lewis Fueter
OriginAmerica, New York, New York City
MediumSilver alloy
DimensionsHeight: 2 5/8" Width: 2" Weight: 27.74 gr. (428 gns.)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2019-98
DescriptionOfficer's shoulder belt plate composed of a slightly convex oval plate engraved with a large thistle and two roses underneath NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSET and the regimental number "76" within a shaded oval below, all within an engraved border. Reverse has three mounts soldered to it; a flat hook at the top and two disc-topped studs at the bottom.
Label TextRaised in late 1777 for service in the Revolutionary War, the 76th Regiment was a traditionally clad "Highland" Scottish unit. When they embarked for America in 1779, Ensign James McDonald, a son of the Chief of Clanranald, was with them. He purchased this custom-made shoulder belt plate from Lewis Fueter, a noted Loyalist silversmith working in New York City.

In classic Scottish fashion, the front of this plate is engraved with a large thistle, two roses and the Latin legend NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSET, loosely meaning "no one can harm me unpunished." Cut very deeply, the Regimental number "76" appears within a shaded oval, much like it does on the buttons worn by Officers of this unit. The inscription "Lt J Mc D" was engraved on the back of the plate sometime after McDonald attained the rank of Lieutenant on September 9, 1780.

Dispatched to bolster Lord Cornwallis' forces, the 76th Regt. left New York for Virginia in February of 1781. Over the next eight months, Lt. McDonald and the 76th saw service at the Battles of Petersburg, Osborne's Landing, and Green Spring. After occupying Williamsburg from June 25th to July 4th, 1781 they found themselves at Yorktown with Cornwallis, where they ultimately surrendered to Washington's forces on October 19, 1781. This ended their active service and much of the 76th Regt. became prisoners. Once the war ended and the remnants of the 76th were back in Scotland, the unit was disbanded. Lt. McDonald was put on the "half-pay," designating him as on indefinite reserve.
InscribedReverse of the plate is engraved "Lt" over "J McD," abbreviations of the name and rank of the original owner (Lieutenant James McDonald).
MarkingsCenter of the reverse carries the maker's mark "L.FUETER" in raised capital letters within a sunken geometric cartouche.
ProvenanceLt. James McDonald (died c.1838)