This original artifact of Civil War military headgear is a Model 1858 French-pattern infantry leather shako. Used by some Union troops early in the war, this type shako was part of 10,000 sets of uniforms imported from the Godillot firm in Paris and imported for the US market.

This specimen is constructed of heavy, black leather, and was intended mainly for dress occasions and other ceremonies. Cap measures 6½” high with a straight vertical crown that features a large, brass-stamped gilt plate pinned to the front. Plate, which has acquired a mellow bronze patina, has a spread-winged eagle atop a laurel wreath that surrounds 1 3/8” diameter disc with the infantry symbol of a hunting horn embossed upon it. Upper edge of crown bears a 2” diameter, circular metal cockade decorated with concentric rings of white and blue paint around a red disc. Secured to the seam at the shako’s top front is a 3” high, deep red pompom. Soldiers disliked these headpieces as they proved to be heavy and hot, even with side vent holes on either side of the cap.

Glued to the Shako top is an old, brown paper tag with a handwritten note, “U.S. Army Hat used from / 1840 to 1849. Made of / leather. Hand sewed / Rare interesting curio / Price 75cts.” Some Federal units known to have worn these shakos were the 62^nd and 83^rd Pennsylvania Volunteers, the 18^th Massachusetts, and regiments in New York’s Excelsior Brigade. Exterior leather is in very good condition with just very slight surface cracking overall. All seam stitching still tight and strong.

Interior features a 3” to 4” high, dark brown leather head liner in good condition with light to moderate edge scuffing along the brim. The thick leather visor, in excellent condition with minor surface cracking, is tightly sewn to the shako base and exhibits an upward turned brim. Shako retains both its original thin, black leather chinstraps, dried, but supple. One inner chinstrap seam stitching has separated from the body but is easily restitched. No maker’s markings are visible on the cap. This Civil War era shako is a great example of early war cover and would make an ideal focus for any military headgear collection or display.

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