The label pasted to the underside of the shako reads, “F. DEEC(KEN) MANUFACTURER & DEALER IN MILITARY GOODS No. 243 BOWERY” gives us an exact date of 1859-60 according to the Directory of American Military Goods Dealers & Makers by Bruce Bazelon. He gives the address as 248 but we can assume the time period is roughly the same as the firm added members soon after 1860. Also written in ink on the label is “S. Frick Engineer 11^th Regiment” and size 7 ¼.

The body of the shako is approx. 7 ½” high and is black felt. The top is capped with a painted black leather crown. The base has a 1” wide painted black leather band encircling. The painted black chin strap with buckle is affixed with the coat size Engineer’s buttons with “HORSTMANN & ALLIEN NY” backmarks. The black painted bill has some loss to the edging. The front has the Engineer’s castle insignia at the top with a large wreath of leaves with “11” in center. Affixed to the top is the original white (now soiled) pompom. The original leather sweat band with scalloped edges is intact. A great addition to any US headgear collection.  [ss]

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