Massachusetts Militia Stove Pipe Shako, C1830s SOLD

Description

A style commonly seen worn by various units within the Massachusetts Militia was the Stove Pipe shako, obviously named for the great similarity of form between the two. The shako was constructed of a leather body, trimmed with brass trimming at the base and crown, and incorporated a large starburst plate over a squared brass visor. Some units would adorn the plate with the letters of their organization, or some symbol such as a horn, lion, etc.

Used on this shako was a leather chinstrap that attached to the body running beneath the lower brass trim. Above the plate is a leather cockade entirely fashioned from gradual sized sections, forming a cone shape; then centered there on a Mass Militia button showing a gauntleted arm holding a saber on high.

The body has the original black worsted wool cording; mounted on a brass ring on left side of crown, the braided cord (and single tassel), runs to the lowest point on the rear, and back up to the right side ring where double drops ending with two braided waffles and tassels.

Pasted on the inner crown is the makers name, “John B. Baker, Saddlery….Boston.”  The chinstrap is approximately 2 1/2 inches wide, and is a complete addition the original lost long ago. The chinstrap is original with some restoration.

Finally the white wool plume or pom pom is attached to a baleen steam and is an original item.  Period plumes of wool or feather are very rare. The tallest point of the shako is 9 inches.

A super example!

USPS Priority  $25.00