National Lancers Shako, Massachusetts Militia SOLD

Description

A French made leather helmet, was adopted by the newly formed Lancers in 1836, when, then Governor Edward Everett requested a ceremonial escort.  This pattern helmet or shako was copied from Polish Lancers who had served in Napoleon’s Army, in the wars named after the Emperor of France, Napoleon I.

The mortar board top has each corner reenforced with brass, one of which has a hook suspended to allow the bullion cord and tassels to hang from.  The body beneath the top is covered in red wool and trimmed with gold bullion; with the remaining covered in dark blue wool.  I see some of these helmets trimmed with yellow trim, so it may be that this was an officer’s.  The visor is trimmed in brass; scaled chinstrap has center buckle, and held in place by flaming bomb side buttons.  The un-embellished round starburst helmet plate is correct and original.  The bullion cording and tassels show age and some fraying.  Some of the bullion has pulled apart from the body of the and show a small amount of lose to wool (about a 1/4″ area.

The interior is very good, with the leather sweatband nearly intact.  Overall, a very nice example of this stylish mounted militia helmet from the Boston, Massachusetts area.

I have had some restoration done to the scaled chinstrap; two sections needed replaced, and area shown where finger touches the two.  The plume is new made, and is a close example to the originals.

USPS Priority  $20.00