A wonderful example of a non-regular pattern with superb insignia.
Contact Us About This Product
Description
West Pointer’s Light Artillery Officer’s Shako.
This example lacks any maker’s label inside on the crown, but is typical of several makers of that era. The body of the shako is pressed felt with beaver fur finish. Leather trim on the crown, around the base of the shako and visor. The insignia is a fine quality gold bullion, and a silver bullion “3” represents the regimental number. The officer’s plume of red horse hair with a woven wool worsted base, supported by a short brass finial.
A bullion cord is draped fore and aft, suspended by plain ring mounts; a bullion helmet(shako) cord is affixed to the left ring, and complete with the bullion waffles that would be suspended from an upper button on the uniform coat. This cord is probably missing the gilt brass snap that would be used to hold this in place. A pair of 1872 regulation type side buttons complete the headgear.
Condition overall is in fine condition, and only a repair to body of the shako has been made as shown in a photo. The is light wear to the fur on the shako body, and mostly in the lower rear. A gorgeous piece from the early Indian Wars era.
I was recently contacted on this by curator who had knowledge of my source on this item, and who had handled the headgear in some years past. I was told that this shako with other items were from the estate of a West Pointer who graduated in the late 1860s. His name is Charles Wilson Whipple. I will add more info on him shortly as this new info came to us while on the road.
Size is approximately a 6 3/4.
USPS Priority $20.00
Additional information
| Weight | 20 lbs |
|---|
