Canada, Dominion. A 13Th Battalion Volunteer Militia Infantry Helmet Plate, C.1870

In die-stamped bronze, seven-pointed star-shaped base, centerpiece with the individual bronze numerals "1" and "3" placed upon a black leather backer, surrounded by the inscription "CANADA MILITIA", the centrepiece with a magnetic circular metal plate secured in place via a dab of solder and framed by an open-ended wreath of maple leaves, surmounted by the Victorian crown, measuring 98.7 mm (w) x 127.5 mm (h), both lugs intact, contact marks, crazing evident in the black leather backer, green oxidation spot evident on the reverse, near very fine.

Footnote: The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry originated in Hamilton, Ontario on December 11, 1862 as the 13th Battalion Volunteer Militia (Infantry), Canada. It was redesignated as the 13th Regiment on May 8, 1900; as the 13th "Royal Regiment" on January 3, 1910; and as the Royal Hamilton Regiment on May 1, 1920. It was organized as a four battalion regiment with the 1st Battalion (perpetuating the 13th Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada), CEF) on the Non Permanent Active Militia order of battle, and the 2nd Battalion (perpetuating the 86th Battalion (Machine Gun), CEF), 3rd Battalion (perpetuating the 120th Battalion (City of Hamilton) CEF), and 4th Battalion (perpetuating the 205th Battalion (Hamilton), CEF)) on the Reserve order of battle. On June 15, 1926, the 1st Battalion was redesignated the 1st Battalion (perpetuating the 4th Battalion (Central Ontario), CEF). The reserve units were disbanded on December 14, 1936. The regiment was redesignated as the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry on March 15, 1927. On December 15, 1936, it amalgamated with the headquarters and three companies of the Wentworth Regiment and was redesignated as the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment). It was redesignated as the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) on November 7, 1940 and as the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) on December 31, 1945. On May 4, 1951, the regiment mobilized two temporary Active Force companies designated "E" and "F" Company. "E" Company was reduced to nil strength upon its personnel being incorporated into the 1st Canadian Rifle Battalion (later the 1st Battalion, the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada) for service in Germany with NATO. It was disbanded on July 29, 1953. "F" Company was initially used as a reinforcement pool for "E" Company. On May 15, 1952, it was reduced to nil strength, upon its personnel being absorbed by the newly formed 2nd Canadian Rifle Battalion (later the 2nd Battalion, the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada) for service with the United Nations in Korea.