Fabulous Militia Bell Crown Shako Circa 1830s.

Fabulous Militia Bell Crown Shako Circa 1830s. A great, tall flared bell crown complete and original with period modifications.

Originally it appears that the shako had a much smaller plate affixed about 4 inches down from the crown, perhaps a smaller eagle, and the leather cockade now mounted on the left side, was mounted above the other mystery plate. Why an up-grade was desired is not known, but this militia company wanted a larger plate.

If you look in American Military Headgear Insignia, by Campbell & O’Donnell, on page 263, figure 607 is the exact eagle and shield as that currently in place. There are pictured in the book (figure 601) that plates were made only using the eagle and shield, but the one shown (602) does not have the heavy feathered leg as on this eagle. The complete plate being much larger would extend upward beyond the crown, so the larger plate was cut down, only using the eagle and shield.  Why two pieces?…both are mounted separately.  Did this soldier’s plate get broken? The cockade was moved to the left side. While cleaning and touching up some problem areas I noticed traces of thread showing where and how the cockade was placed (using a heavy thread to hold it in place).  The brass interlocking chain is suspended on the right side by use of a small vest size eagle button. There must have been another on the other side to hold chain, but know is held by a old iron bobby pin that protrudes through the cockade (near the eagle, original thread holes are visible in the leather and on the shako).The scaled chin strap is hold on by star pattern side buttons. The narrow leather strap sections and buckle are original, with some restoration to hold the leather strap which is wearing thin (but holding firm).  A gilt cording of 6 strands extends from beneath the cockade to behind the eagle button on the right. There is no maker’s label, but has a full leather sweatband.  The leather body as mentioned has had some work to protect some areas where the leather surface was lifting. Overall some areas of crazing, particularly on the visor.

The shako is completed with its original white wool pompom with baleen shaft. Soiled but very good.

Quite different from many seen on the market, in books, etc.  A most worthy addition to this period of headgear collecting.

9 inches from visor to rim of crown.