Circa 1820 Painted American Tombstone Helmet Plate of the 4th Company, 33rd Regiment

Painted Tin Militia Hat Plate, circa 1820. The tombstone-shaped plate is decorated with seven gilt stars above a gilt spread wing eagle with a polychrome painted American shield on its breast. Below the eagle is the gilt designation of “4th COMP’Y” and “33- REG’T.”. The plate is approximately 9 1/4 inches high by 6 1/2 inches wide. Each lower side of the plate has sets of three small holes for securing the plate to the headgear. The plate shows some paint loss but overall it is in excellent condition. A piece of cellophane tape on the reverse secures a segment of clear fishing line that was used to hang the plate for display.