It is extremely difficult to determine whether cockade eagles are of Regular Army or Militia origin, and to date them if the latter. They have been found in a wide variety of design and size, ranging from the rather plain example (fig. 6) to the highly refined one on the general officer's _chapeau de bras_ (fig. 4). Examination of hats worn by both Regulars and Militia prior to 1821 reveals that there is little to choose between the eagles worn by the two components. After 1821, however, when Militia insignia tended to become more ornate and Regular devices more uniform, some of the Militia specimens emerge as distinct types because they have no Regular counterparts. Origin of the specimen, including excavations of military cantonment sites where the make-up of the garrison can be determined, has been the primary criterion used in assignment to either Regular Army or Militia, and to a lesser extent in dating. Over-all design and method of manufacture have also been considered in dating. COCKADE EAGLE, GENERAL OFFICER, 1800-1812 _USNM 12813. Figure 4._ [Illustration: FIGURE 4] Unusually refined in design, the eagle is of gold, with head to right, federal shield on breast, and olive branch in right talon. Three arrows, with points outward, are held in left talon. This cockade eagle is on a _chapeau de bras_ formerly belonging to Peter Gansevoort, brigadier general of the New York State Militia and brigadier general, U.S. Army, 1809-1812. Although Gansevoort wore this _chapeau_ while serving as a Militia officer, as evidenced by a New York State button attached to it, this eagle is included with Regular Army devices because it is typical of those probably worn by high-ranking officers of both components. COCKADE EAGLE, C. 1800-1821 _USNM 60362-M (S-K 118). Figure 5._ [Illustration: FIGURE 5] Cast in pewter and gold-finished, this eagle looks to the right, stands on clouds, and holds three arrows (facing inward) in the right talon and an upright olive branch in the left. The eagle-on-clouds design is first seen on coins on the 1795 silver dollar.[43] It was popular during the War of 1812 period, and was not used in new designs by the Regular Army after 1821. Eagles of identical design and size are also known in pewter without finish. Such an eagle could have been worn by Militia as well as Regulars. Similar specimens have been excavated at Regular Army cantonment sites of the period. [Footnote 43: Engraved by Robert Scott after a design by Gilbert Stuart.] COCKADE EAGLE, OFFICERS, 1800-1821 _USNM 66352-M. Figure 6._ [Illustration: FIGURE 6]