Exquisite example of the pattern 1859 Marine Corp enlisted dress shako. This particular shako exhibits the 1861 pattern gilt plaited, brass die stamped cap plate insignia of the Union shield and the letter M mounted within the infantry horn. Also present is a plain domed brass rosette button mounted over a red leather scalloped backing. Finally the shield is surrounded by a brass “half wreath”.

The body of this shako is composed of a heavy weight “Navy Blue” colored pressed wool felt mounted with a 5 ½” diameter molded leather crown cap and a lower 1 ¼”patent leather band. The chin strap and buckle are present and is held on by two small cuff size 1850’s Marine Corps buttons. Also, there are two horizontally placed “Half Moon” shaped ventilates located on either side at the base of the top crown cap. The leather visor is edge bound and has a patent leather coating.

The shako’s Internal features show the entirely intact sweat band composed of a series of multi-finger type leather tabs of a thinly glazed coated leather with scored cross hatched design and draw string. The manufactures label located on the underside of the top crown is present and complete and reads:

BENT & BUSH Importers & Manufacturers of HATS, CAPS & FURS, ----MILITARY CAPS, ---- SWORDS,

EPAULETTES & c. COR. OF COURT & WASHINGTON STS. BOSTON.

The size is large for the period and would accommodate a head size of 7 3/8”

The only missing feature of this shako is its red branch service pompon.

A  SUPERB AND VERY SCARCE CIVIL WAR ERA MARINE CORP ITEM!!!

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