Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. Now this is an extremely rare and rather lovely M1824 Bell Crown. Although the chinstrap is absent, the overall condition is unusually exceptional. This style of hat was in use during the 1821-1835 period.
This is a very nice U.S. Militia bell crown "tar bucket" shako. Used by regular forces as well as militia units from 1820-1835. Shako retains the original pressed leather rosette with Massachusetts State pattern militia button with larger chinstrap buttons of the same design on each side. Nice arched drop in the back adds a more dramatic look to the overall form. The front badge appears to be the type used from 1814-1821, which would have still been in use when this shako was, especially by the state militia units.The interior features a mostly intact paper label for William Cressman of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, manufacturer of military caps and equipment. . Henry Cressman, a Philadelphia cap maker, wrote to diverse customers as the State of Virginia, and to the First Light Infantry of Providence, Rhode Island in the 1830s. Cressman was doing a national business in manufacturing the somewhat hard-to-make bellcrown caps of the 1820s and early 1830s. He was displaced when an easier form of cap was adopted in the middle 1830s, and makers such as John B. Baker of Boston took over his trade.
Overall shape is intact with a nice arched drop back still holding its overall shape. Typical crazing and expected period commensurate wear to the tarred black finish over pressed leather. Polished cloth lining is absent, with a surprisingly nice sweatband which is intact. Missing the ostrich plume but a hole is present if you would wish to add one. 95% original green paint under the visor is retained.
A lovely example ready for display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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