Militia Bell Crown Shako Circa 1835 – Hartford, Connecticut Maker – SOLD

Description

Militia Bell Crown Shako Circa 1835- Hartford, Connecticut Maker, “SHELDON & COLTON.”

The leather bell crown body is in very good condition with the original brass banding extending around the back to the back points of the visor. The visor itself is also brass bound. In the front is a 1832 pattern eagle which is original to the shako, but has lost the leather tabs that held it tightly in place.  At the top is a leather cockade with a period eagle button with federal shield.  The brass scaled chin strap is the functional kind and when not in use was affixed as shown.  This chin strap appears to be the original or period replacement as the patine of the brass is identical.  A small hole at the center of the shako just above where the visor touched the body, may have been the location where an earlier non-functional chinstrap may have been. This latter type was for show only.

The interior has a complete sweatband with pull string to allow for tightening. The label, is about 4 1/2 x 3 inches, with some area of paper loss, but all information about this business is there.  Under the sweat band is a piece of paper with the name of the original owner.  It is hard to read but some patience may bring it out.

Leather overall is sound, with crackling over the surface, ranging from minor to more pronounced as shown on the visor.  A little more attention to the body could improve the look of the leather.  One brass pin that held the left front brass banding is missing.  The wool plume that came with the shako, is not period, but has the look.

A fine example of a popular piece of American militia headgear, worn by the U.S. Military as well.