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ESPECIALLY LARGE EARLY AMERICAN MILITARY HAT PLATE, MADE OF PRESSED COPPER, WITH AN EAGLE PERCHED ON A FEDERAL SHIELD, FLANKED BY CORNUCOPIA, AND THE MOTTO “NE PLUS ULTRA” (THE ZENITH OR HIGH WATER MARK); PRESSED BRASS WITH PAINTED SURFACE, circa 1825-1850 OR POSSIBLY PRIOR |
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| Dimensions (inches): |
Frame - 12" x 16", Hat Plate - 5.75" x 8.75" |
| Description: |
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American military hat plate, equivalent to the largest I have ever personally encountered. Made of pressed brass, the surface is painted tomato red, with light wear and wonderful patination, darkened by time. Judging by the scale and the fanciful decoration, as well as the style, this was probably made for a large, bell crown shako of some sort, comparably plumed and elaborate, and likely produced for a militia unit.
The hat plate likely dates to the second quarter of the 19th century, though a War of 1812 (1812-1815) era date of manufacture is possible. The imagery consists of an eagle perched on a federal shield with pales (vertical stripes) but no stars, flanked by a large cornucopia. Arched above, in an extended, oval header, is the Latin motto: "Ne Plus Ultra," which roughly translates to the highest point capable of being attained / the zenith / the crest / the high-water mark.
Mounting: The plate has been stitched to supportive panel covered hemp fabric, ivory in color. A shadow box was created to accommodate the depth of the object, using a fantastic, hand-carved, American frame with early, black-painted surface, that dates to the 18th century or prior, with overlapped and pinned construction. The glazing is U.V. protective glass. |
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| Primary Color: |
copper |
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| Earliest Date: |
1825 |
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| Latest Date: |
1850 |
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| For Sale Status: |
Sold |
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| Price |
Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281 |
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| E-mail: |
info@jeffbridgman.com |
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