These "Epaulets" as they were known were worn on the shoulders as a decoration to a military uniform. Many were made from fabric and very ornate. Boards such as these would probably have been worn as battle dress since they are made from metal and might afford some meager protection, especially from a sword strike. The metal buttons at the top contain the cipher "Queens Own W.Y.O." with a "VR" cartouche in the center. The "VR" cartouche is the designation for Queen Victoria who reigned the English Empire from 1837 to her death in 1901. The large "20" would probably represent a regiment number. These are English, mid 19th Century.