Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic example of early Artillery Shako which was worn from the 1830 to early 1850s. The design and appearance leads us to believe that this cap would have been born by a Cavalryman (Dragoons) from either the New York or Massachusetts state militia. A shako is a tall, cylindrical military cap, usually with a visor, and sometimes tapered at the top. It is usually adorned with an ornamental plate or badge on the front, metallic or otherwise; and often has a feather, plume or pompom attached at the top.

From 1800 on, the shako became a common military headdress worn by the majority of regiments in the armies of Europe and the Americas. Replacing in most instances the light bicorne, the shako was initially considered an improvement. Made of heavy felt and leather, it retained its shape and provided some protection for the soldier's skull, while its visor shaded his eyes. It retained this preeminence until the mid-19th century, when spiked helmets began to appear in the army of Prussia, which influenced armies of the various German states; and the more practical kepi replaced it for all but parade wear in the French Army.

This shako, as previously stated, may have been worn by the Massachusetts or New York State Dragoons. The front sunburst pattern insignia was typically worn by dragoon units starting in 1833. When the dragoons returned to the Army in 1833, their cap device was described as "a gilt star, silver eagle ... the star to be worn in front." An 8-pointed, sunburst-type star, this plate is struck in brass and has a superimposed eagle that is struck in brass and silvered. The eagle is basically the Napoleonic type adopted by the British after the Battle of Waterloo and altered by omitting the lightning in the talons and adding a wreath to the breast. Plain wire fasteners are soldered to the back though this one is retained by leather wedges.

In 1834, possibly as a result of the newly organized dragoons receiving distinctive branch insignia, the infantry and artillery once again were authorized devices on the dress cap designating their particular arm. The gilt eagle was retained. Below the eagle was an open horn with cords and tassels in silver for infantry, and cross cannons in "gilt" for artillery. The number of the regiment was added over the cannon or within the curve of the horn. These devices remained in use until the change in headgear in 1851.

Overall good condition, with body showing some heat shrinkage and dents typical of nearly 200 year old leather. Tarred finish is flaking in some spots and there is some stitching loss and holes present. Given that the shako is nearly 200 years old it is in fantastic condition!

A wonderful example of a rather rare shako, comes more than ready for display.

Seminole Wars
The Seminole Wars (also known as the Florida Wars) were three related military conflicts in Florida between the United States and the Seminole, citizens of a Native American nation which formed in the region during the early 1700s. Hostilities commenced about 1816 and continued through 1858, with two periods of uneasy truce between active conflict. The Seminole Wars were the longest and most expensive, in both human and financial cost to the United States, of the American Indian Wars.