Massachusetts is thought to be the only state to use its state seal on these scalloped-edge hat plates where other states went for a more generic U.S. eagle motif or panoply of arms. For an exact parallel see Campbell and O’Donnell, Figure 637. These are die-struck silvered copper and this particular pattern is thought to be an import from the floral border and better quality die work. Chief Massasoit stands at center on a stippled ground, holding a bow and arrows pointed down, with the north star showing at upper left, with the armored arm and sword above, with a ribbon scroll reading “MASSACHUSETTS MILITIA” below.

The plate is in very good, excavated condition, with no bends or breaks, just a slight unevenness at mid left and right edge, having been recovered near Boston, and showing remnants of the two loops on the back meant to secure it to a shako and plume holder at top center. The color is a light green mixed with white overall, trace of a silver finish. These were used mainly in the 1820s and 1830s, falling out of favor by the later 1840s. A silver finish is often taken to indicate and officer’s plate, but in the volunteer militia, with companies competing in the elegance of their attire as much as the precision of their drill or marksmanship, all bets are off.  [sr][ph:L]

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