Figure 124 



look because the plate, which is of brass, was ap- 

 parently hand trimmed. 



CAP PLATE, C. 1825 



USNM 60270~M (I-K 28\ Figure 126. 



This fourth variation, of silver-on-copper, bears 

 an eagle with very small legs (somewhat out of pro- 

 portion), an erect head, a fierce mien, and a heavy 

 round breast. The design is struck on a shield-plate 

 with the exact measurements as on one of the 

 riflemen series. 



CAP PLATE, MUSICIAN, C. 1825 



USNM 60302-M (S-K 60'). Figure 127. 



The oldest known plate made expressly for musicians, 

 this silver-on-copper, floral-bordered shield bears an 

 eagle similar to one for riflemen of the same period 

 (see fig. 116). Among the early musical instruments 

 easily identifiable in the design are the tambor, the 

 serpent, the French horn, and the rack of bells. Such 

 a plate was undoubtedly a stock pattern, available in 

 either gilt or silver finish, and was probably sold well 

 into the 1840's. The reverse is fitted with what 



Figure 125 



appears to be a contemporary plume socket, although 

 resoldercd, and two simple wire fasteners. 



CAP PLATE, MUSICIAN, C. 1835 



USNM 6030-M QS-K 6IA). Figure 128. 



This gilded brass plate, while not as old as the 

 preceding one, is of an unusual pattern. Made for 

 New York State Militia, it carries the eagle-on-half- 

 globe device at the top. The central design includes 

 a French horn, a serpent, and a straight horn, all 

 intertwined about an open roll of sheet music. It is 

 probably a stock pattern. The reverse is fitted with 

 three simple bent-wire fasteners. 



CAP PLATE, C. 1830 



USNM 60250- M (i'-K *). Figure 129. 



The design on this brass plate, reminiscent of that on 

 the regular infantry cap plate, 1814-1821, was adopted 

 for wear by the Militia after being discarded by the 

 Regular Establishment. The ornate floral border and 

 diamond shape place it in the late 1820's and the 



65 



