Item Description
Original Item. Only One Available. When the Hardee hat became the regulation headgear for all branches of service in the 1850s, some companies of light artillery adapted quickly, and others preferred the old pre-1851 Mexican War style Ringgold pattern shakos. Interest in the traditional headgear of the light artillery resurfaced from time to time during the Civil War. In 1863, a New York battery in North Carolina even requested them. So, in January 1864 the government contracted with Horstmann of Philadelphia for some patterns of the shako. These caps are very rare and this one has the added bonus of having Horstmann’s label inside the crown bearing a size number “3” along with Horstmann’s name and Philadelphia address.
The appearance of the 1864 varied only slightly during its issue period in service. This one is all original, including the usually replaced red worsted wool cords and tassels. These are in fine condition with slight fraying and tearing in a few small areas, and soiling being the only issues. The large tassel at the left side of the shako, hangs on the mounting ring from a loop made running back through the tassel, and at times a brass spring hook was used to allow for a quick release to hang from the uniform when the shako was not being worn, and also notice a thin worsted wool loop is supplied here as well for the same purpose. The flaming bomb and plume socket are original and hold the horse hair plume with an original ring to hold the hair together, not allowing it to turn into a jumbled mess.
The cap is constructed of a dark blue wool covered pasteboard body with an inset leather crown and leather band around the base. A thin, tarred leather chinstrap with floating adjustment buckle is secured at each side by a small brass Federal Eagle button. The exterior of the shako has held up well overall, with some light moth tracking.
The original leather sweatband is still in place inside and is secure. The interior has a grayish tan fabric on the sides and natural leather on the underside of the crown bearing the Horstmann label. The flat, tarred leather unbound visor has the correct slight flare at the sides and is firmly in place. The Horstmann label reads:
3
HORSTMANN BROS. & CO.
MANUFACTURERS OF
MILITARY GOODS
FIFTH AND CHERRY STS.
PHILADELPHIA
The label has some tearing on the side but it is well-retained overall. The cords and Aiguillette all appear period, but the aiguillette cording is not very well-secured and could be a later replacement. It still looks great for display.
A fantastic & scarce Civil War shako, ready for further research and display!
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