Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic example of a Pre American Civil War Model 1851 Shako, used by an Officer of a Maine artillery unit. The uniforms introduced under the regulations of 1851 were relatively short lived, but the changes that were made were significant for the Army. The new regulations introduce the frock coat as the service uniform for all soldiers, thus eliminating the coatee.
All branch insignia was to be manufactured in yellow metal, eliminating white metal for foot troops, although gold bullion insignia was utilized by officers just like on this example.
The “Albert” Cap, copied from the British and named for Queen Victoria’s husband,
replaced the “stovepipe” shako that had been worn since 1832. Troops continued to wear the roundabout and forage cap for fatigue. A uniform jacket based upon the roundabout soon replaced the frock coat as the service uniform for mounted troops.
This is an impressive Maine Artillery 1851 pattern dark blue shako though it is now faded to a light blue. Stands approximatley 7 inches tall, with a blue wool-covered pasteboard body, this shako follows the lines of the US regulation 1851 pattern shako with a flat, bound leather visor that flares slightly from side buttons forward. The flat crown is about 5 ¾ inches in diameter and is pierced at the forward edge for the pompom. Below this on the top front is a regulation gold bullion crossed cannons with the letter “A” for battery. The thin leather chinstrap is in place and secured on either side with large Federal Eagle rosettes. The interior is no longer lined with just a few remnant pieces of white polished cotton. The blackened leather sweatband is also present, mostly complete and firmly in place.
The condition is excellent, especially for the age! A lovely, scarce example that comes more than ready for further research and display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
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