December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
Plate of engraved sheet silver, 5 ¾ x 3 ¾ in., convex in profile, with four attachment points on recto, one intact, with soldered wire loop still in place (but bent inwards) and the other 3 with soldered bases, but now missing wire loops. A beautifully engraved officer’s cap plate first worn by Zachariah Rossell during his service as captain of the 15th US Infantry during its campaigns on the Canadian border during 1812-1813. The 15th Infantry was raised and commanded by Colonel Zebulon Pike, already famous from his exploration of the Southwest frontier during 1805-1806. Pike was an innovator and introduced numerous changes to his various commands, in terms of uniforms, arms, tactics and drill. The 15th always formed in a 3- vs the usual 2-rank formation, the rear rank furnished with 12-foot pikes and cut-down, slung muskets. Rossell’s officer’s plate is probably a regimental pattern approved by Pike, as well. The style and method of engraving is similar to a number of early 19th century, New York and New Jersey militia cap and belt plates. Both the officers and men of the 15th were, in large, from these two states and it stands to reason that the officers’ plates were made by some talented New York area silversmith. This oblong plate with clipped, curved corners, features an eagle with ‘Pro Patria’ streamer in beak superimposed over a panoply of arms, including drum, shield, standards, and muskets, below which is found the officer’s initials in monogram; in this case, ‘ZR’ for Zachariah Rossell. Underneath the sunburst is a scroll or ribbon bearing ‘15TH. REGT. INFY.’ The plate is edged all around with four, stipple-engraved lines, the two outer lare straight and the other two are wavy. Plate is convex in profile when viewed from top or bottom, as it was fitted to the front of a tall cap or shako. There are 2 small holes punched in the lower left corner of the plate, probably a expedient mode of reattachment in the field after the soldered eyelet in that corner broke off. There is a small separation in plate along the deeply-engraved line defining the left standard pole, but it does not detract. Zachariah Rossell was from a prominent New Jersey family and was first commissioned in the 15th on 12 March 1812. He was promoted to major in the 25th Infantry on 31 December 1813, but returned to the 15th on 27 April 1814. While in the 15th, he led his troops in numerous actions, including the attack on Fort York in 1813, during which Colonel Pike and many soldiers from the 15th were killed by the explosion of a magazine following the American capture of the fort. He was honorably discharged following the close of the war on 15 June 1815. He was subsequently appointed brigadier general and adjutant general in the New Jersey militia on 1 May 1816, resigning on 13 July 1842. The plate is currently untouched as found, with a dark patina-tarnish and some brightened areas in its center; a digitally enhanced photograph is placed alongside the other, to allow for a clearer understanding of the engraved devices on its face and original appearance. An object worthy of being a centerpiece in any museum or private collection, whether of important early American insignia or as an object of beauty. Provenance: purchased by from a Long Island estate by Robert Bottie and consigned to the Mars & Neptune Trust Benefit Sale at Nadeau, 19 OCT 2019 as lot 7580, from whence purchased.