CIVIL WAR FEDERAL CHASSEUR’S ALL-LEATHER FRENCH-STYLE SHAKO IN GOOD ORIGINAL CONDITION

CIVIL WAR FEDERAL CHASSEUR’S ALL-LEATHER FRENCH-STYLE SHAKO IN GOOD ORIGINAL CONDITION

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$695.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2026-2216

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

This fine artifact of Civil War military headgear is an infantry Model 1860 leather shako of the French-pattern and was used by Union troops early in the war. Shako was part of 10,000 sets of uniforms purchased from the Godillot firm in Paris and imported for the US market. They were issued to a number of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania State troops and the caps sported full dress dark green-black feathers, now missing.

This original specimen is constructed of heavy black leather and was intended mainly for dress occasions and other ceremonies. The cap measures 5¾” high with a straight vertical crown which features a brass-stamped gilt plate pinned to the front. Plate has acquired a dark patina and features 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. Top of crown bears a 2” diameter, circular metal cockade decorated with concentric rings of red, white and blue paint. Extending from the top front cover of the shako is a blue-green pompom, slightly soiled.

The soldiers did not care for this cover as the headpiece proved to be heavy and hot, even with the side vent holes on either side of the cap. Some of the Federal units known to have worn these shakos were the 62nd and 83rd Pennsylvania Volunteers, the 18th Massachusetts and regiments in New York’s Excelsior Brigade. Exterior leather exhibits slight surface cracking to the crown top. All stitching still tight and strong. Interior features a 2¾” wide, black leather liner in fair condition with moderate flaking and some edge scuffing along the brim. The slight upward-turned, thick leather visor is in good condition with minor surface cracking to the top. One small tear is visible on the visor at the left corner edge. The shako has lost its original thin, black leather chinstraps but does retain its small leather loops with brass couplings on the inside. A large stenciled numeral “4½” is visible on the inside and indicates the size of the cap. No other maker’s markings are visible on the cap.

This Civil War shako is a fine example of early war cover and would make an ideal focus for any military headgear collection or display.   [RA] [ph:L]

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