Name/Title
Provisional Texas Marine [Shako Plate]Description
Die-stamped shako plate with a five-pointed star above a straight foul anchor. A foul anchor is a nautical term meaning the anchor is entwined in rope. Four holes are punched to sew the plate onto a shako. Made of copper.Context
A marine — or naval infantry — is responsible for raiding ashore (often in support of naval objectives) and the boarding of vessels during ship-to-ship combat or capture of prize ships. Marines also assisted in maintaining security, discipline, and order aboard ships (reflecting the historically pressed nature of the rest of the ship's company and the risk of mutiny).
An enlisted Marine would wear this ornamental plate on the front of his shako — a tall, cylindrical military cap, usually with a visor, and sometimes tapered at the top.
Note: this insignia was made of a piece of copper sheathing used to protect the Texas Navy ships.