This is a shako with a black felt body and a black leather top and visor. It meas. approx. 6.34 inches high x 5.25 inches across the top. The surface of the black felt has faded some but it is in very good condition all the way around. Sewn to the top is a leather disc that shows some light wear around the edges but is also in good condition. Around the base of the shako is a leather band that meas. approx. 1.08 high. The surface of this band has some light crazing and is loose toward the back. Attached to each side are stamped brass shako buttons with crossed cannons. These buttons anchor a leather chin strap with a brass sliding buckle.

The visor attached to the shako is also made of leather and has a bound edge. Both the upper and lower surface show heavy crazing and there is a small chip out of the edge binding. Some of the thread holding the center of the visor in place has split but it is holding on either side. Attached to the front of the body is a thick stamped brass shako plate that shows the central portion of the Pennsylvania coat of arms which consists of a ship, a plow and three sheaves of wheat. This is surrounded by a stamped brass wreath that reads “FIRST ARTILLERY” along the bottom. Above the central plate is a pompon ornament of crossed cannons superimposed over a bursting ordnance bomb. All three brass pieces are firmly anchored in place. At the very top is a red pompon denoting artillery.

The interior of the shako shows moderate wear but is nearly complete. The ox-blood sweatband is intact all the way around and rises into seven fingers, 6 of which are present. Each finger has a grommet bordered eyelet at top. As stated the sweatband does exhibit moderate wear. In the crown there is a discolored paper label with a center that is almost obliterated. All that can be made out is that the make was in Philadelphia.

The previous owner has noted that the cap belonged to a Charles Artzt. There is the remains of a name written on the label but so much of it is missing it cannot be determined with 100% accuracy. What writing can be made out looks to coincide with the name given by the former owner.

This is a rare piece of headgear is very good complete condition for its age.

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