Bearskin Cap Plate Of The Foot Grenadiers Of The Imperial Guard, 1809, First Empire

Bearskin cap plate of the Foot Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard, Model 1809, First Empire. 33800. Copper plate, 16.2 cm high, 22 cm wide including the curve, 19.5 cm wide without the curve, stamped in the center with a crowned imperial eagle perched on Jupiter's thunderbolt and in the two lower corners with a flaming grenade. The plate is bordered by a molding composed of a double raised line surrounding a striated band. The edges are folded over and reinforced with copper wire. In the lower corners, two small holes are made for attaching the plate to the cap. France. First Empire. Perfect condition. HISTORY: The Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard adopted their first cap plate in 1804, replacing the model for the Consular Guard, probably towards the end of 1804. The original plate is made of stamped brass with an uncrowned eagle, an engraved cockade at the top, and a grenade on either side. On August 16, 1804, a document states: "The officer in charge of clothing details presented several designs of bearskin cap plates to the council for review. The laminated model was adopted, except for the removal of the star that was placed in the center of the thunderbolt." Another source, dated April 26, 1805, informs us: “Fine copper plates for grenadier caps, embroidered and burnished, with a fine silver star, 3F25.” We do not believe this model was ever worn; moreover, we have found a text dated May 17, 1805, which announces, “A new die will be made immediately for the production of new bearskin cap plates, and the contractor will conform to the design that will be finalized and submitted, first and foremost, to the council.” From this decision, the regulation plate was born. The model thus created in 1804 was made of fairly thin brass; from 1809-1811, it was replaced by an identical model but in redder and thicker copper, making it more rigid.