Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very nice U.S. Seminole Wars era Shako plate to be worn on the front of a large tar-bucket style shako hat worn by Federal and militia soldiers during the 1830s and 1840s. This example depicts an eagle clutching arrows and the American shield in front of flags and drums, with a scroll reading E PLURIBUS UNUM at the bottom.

The plate measures 6 x 2 x 5½” with heavy curvature. There are spots on the reverse where two hooks or loops used to be, meant to affix the plate to the front of the shako. The bottom of the front appears to have a maker or designer’s mark, BALE. 

This is a very lovely example and the first of its kind we have had. Comes ready for further research and display.