Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a wonderful example of a late 19th Century “Albert Cap” style shako. The uniforms introduced under the regulations of 1851 were relatively short lived, but the changes that were made were significant for the Army. The new regulations introduce the frock coat as the service uniform for all soldiers, thus eliminating the coatee. A system of branch colors was also introduced: Prussian blue for Infantry, Scarlet for Artillery, Orange for Dragoons, green for Mounted Rifles, and black for Staff.
All branch insignia was to be manufactured in yellow metal, eliminating white metal for foot troops, although gold bullion insignia was utilized by officers. A bright brass general service button was also authorized for all enlisted troops, and the branch letter was eliminated from the center of the national shield.
The “Albert” Cap, copied from the British and named for Queen Victoria’s husband, replaced the “stovepipe” shako that had been worn since 1832. Troops continued to wear the roundabout and forage cap for fatigue. A uniform jacket based upon the roundabout soon replaced the frock coat as the service uniform for mounted troops.
This cap is in wonderful condition and appears to have retained all original components except for a liner top tie string. The cap has a lovely large set of crossed rifles insignia on the front and is flanked on both sides with crossed rifle buttons. There is no significant damage present and the shako itself presents itself quite well.
Comes more than ready for further research and display.
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