1830s Massachusetts Militia Bell Crown Shako

1830s Massachusetts Militia Bell Crown Shako. An interesting pattern of a bell crown shako being a bit lower in profile than typically seen, at 7 inches height (from base to highest point of crown).  Shako never had chin scales and side buttons, but adorned with gilt bullion chain fore and aft, with a pair of tassels suspended from the right side and a single to the left. The fine gilt plate a rectangularly scolloped Massachusetts stock pattern.  The plate is original with its two mounting loops and tin plume socket. The leather of the shako is cut out to allow the plate socket to sit flush with the shako body.

The interior is lined with white linen that conforms to the body. The soldier’s initials are written in ink on the  crown area appear to be, “H.V.W.”  The leather is very good overall with some light wear and crackling. I have added an original feather plume of red and white on baleen.

A great look piece of militia headgear.