Struck from a different die, with broader fronds and a wider base, this brass plate is of the same period as the preceding one. CAP PLATE, C. 1840 _USNM 60295-M (S-K 53). Figure 164._ [Illustration: FIGURE 164] This grenadier-type plate, struck in brass, is one of the most beautiful examples of the die maker's art in the national collections. On a sunburst-over-clouds background is an eagle grasping the top of the Federal shield superimposed on panoply of arms and colors. The national motto is on a ribbon below. Certainly not from a stock pattern, this plate obviously was made for a specific Militia unit of considerable affluence. Three simple wire fasteners soldered to the reverse provide means of attachment. This specimen is one of the scarce examples of military plates bearing the maker's name "BALE," which may be seen just above the raised lower edge and below the "UNUM." This was probably Thomas Bale of New York who is first listed in New York directories, in 1832, as an engraver at 68 Nassau Street. The 1842 directory lists him as a die sinker at the same address in partnership with a Frederick B. Smith. He is last listed in 1851. CAP AND CAP PLATE, 1ST ARTILLERY, PENNSYLVANIA, C. 1840 _USNM 604672 (S-K 819). Figure 165._ [Illustration: FIGURE 165] The plate on this cap uses only the shield of the Pennsylvania seal without crest or supporters. It is surrounded at the sides and bottom with a wreath carrying a ribbon with the unit designation "first artily." Equally interesting and unusual is the small separate insignia at the pompon socket. It is based on the 1840 flaming grenade ordnance device with crossed cannon superimposed. COCKADE EAGLE, C. 1840 _USNM 60394-M (S-K 150). Figure 166._ [Illustration: FIGURE 166] This eagle is of a rather odd design, and the five arrows in its left talon is an even more unusual variation. It is believed to be a cockade eagle because of its form and size, but it may well have been used elsewhere on the person as a piece of uniform insignia. CHAPEAU COCKADE, STATE FENCIBLES (PENNSYLVANIA), C. 1840 _USNM 60259-M (S-K 17). Figure 167._ [Illustration: FIGURE 167] The State Fencibles of Philadelphia were originally organized as "Sea Fencibles" in 1812 for duty at the port of Philadelphia. This cockade, with brass eagle, was first worn about 1840 and it continued in use for many years thereafter. Dates incorporated as parts of devices are generally the original organizational dates of the units concerned--as is the case in this instance--and bear no necessary relation to the age of the badges. Some Militia cap plates bear the date "1776," and there are waist-belt plates bearing organization dates of 100 years earlier than the dates at which the plates were made.