This cap plate is a somewhat wider variation of the 1833 dragoon device than most of the Militia plates of that type popular in the late 1830's and the 1840's. While the brass sunburst has the usual 8-pointed form, the eagle, applied to the center, is unusually small (1-3/8 by 1 in.) and gives every indication of having been originally designed as a cockade eagle at a somewhat earlier period. CAP PLATE, C. 1836 _USNM 60274-M (S-K 32). Figure 151._ [Illustration: FIGURE 151] This pattern of the 1833 dragoon eagle on a half-sunburst, struck in brass and silvered, was worn by the Washington [D.C.] Light Infantry [118] and possibly by other units of the period. Both the eagle and the half-sunburst were obviously stock items. [Footnote 118: Illustrated in _U.S. Military Magazine_ (August 1839), pl. 15.] CAP PLATE, REPUBLICAN BLUES, C. 1836 _USNM 604606 (S-K 753). Figure 152._ [Illustration: FIGURE 152] This silver-metal plate can be accurately identified by reading its devices. The center device is from the seal of the State of Georgia. During the period that the plate was worn, one of the best known of the State's Militia organizations was the Republican Blues--the "RB" on the plate--of Savannah.[119] The silver color of the plate also agrees with the other trimmings of the uniform of that unit. [Footnote 119: A volunteer Militia company known as the Republican Blues was organized in Savannah in 1808. From notes filed under "Georgia National Guard" in Organizational History and Honors Branch, Office of the Chief of Military History, Department of the Army, Washington, D.C.] CAP PLATE, IRISH DRAGOONS, C. 1840 _USNM 604605 (S-K 752). Figure 153._ [Illustration: FIGURE 153] This three-quarter-sunburst plate with the monogram "I D" applied in silver is identical to one on a brass-bound dragoon cap in the national collections carrying in its crown the label "Irish Dragoons, Brooklyn, N.Y." (USNM 604691, S-K 837). It is typical of the two-piece sunburst-type plates and was probably worn until the 1850's. The plate was attached by means of two looped-wire fasteners that were run through holes in the helmet and secured by leather thongs. CAP AND PLATE, LANCER TYPE, C. 1840 _USNM 604688-M (S-K 834). Figure 154._ [Illustration: FIGURE 154] With no regulations but their own to restrain them, Militia organizations designed their uniforms to suit their fancies, although generally following the regulations for the Regulars. This often led to odd and unusual cap shapes and trimmings and bindings on clothing, and to somewhat garish horse furniture in in some mounted units.