Original Item. Only One Available. This is an extraordinary example of a Model 1832 “Stovepipe” Militia Shako for an Artillerist. This example is one of the most well-preserved we have seen, still retaining the chinscales and the small post above the shako plate to hold them in place. A shako is a tall, cylindrical military cap, usually with a visor, and sometimes tapered at the top. It is usually adorned with an ornamental plate or badge on the front, metallic or otherwise; and often has a feather, plume or pompom attached at the top.

From 1800 on, the shako became a common military headdress worn by the majority of regiments in the armies of Europe and the Americas. Replacing in most instances the light bicorne, the shako was initially considered an improvement. Made of heavy felt and leather, it retained its shape and provided some protection for the soldier's skull, while its visor shaded his eyes. It retained this preeminence until the mid-19th century, when spiked helmets began to appear in the army of Prussia, which influenced armies of the various German states; and the more practical kepi replaced it for all but parade wear in the French Army.

The 1825-1842 Period Shako Eagle plate below the plume is in great order, as is the Sunburst Artillery shako plate. The front sunburst pattern insignia was typically worn by dragoon units starting in 1833. The "gilt cross cannons" device was prescribed for artillery in the 1834 regulations, so we can assert that this shako likely saw use in the mid-to-late 1830s & 1840s.

The uniform regulations of 1833 included the replacing of the “Bell Crown” Shako with a “Stovepipe” Shako, and the introduced of stripes for officers and non-commissioned officers on sky-blue trousers. The tall “stovepipe” shako was adopted by infantry and artillery in 1832. It featured brass or white metal badges and fittings, either crossed cannons for artillery like this example or bugle-horn for infantry. Also featured was a tall plume that varied in height from 8 inches for enlisted men to 12 inches for senior NCOs. This example is rather short and may be missing some of its original length, so it was more than likely worn by an Enlisted man.

The rigid shako stands at roughly 9 inches tall with a felt-covered pasteboard body. This shako follows the lines of the US regulation 1832 pattern shako with a curved, bound leather visor that flares slightly from the Star side buttons forward. It’s in overall great condition for its age, with the body showing some shrinkage and dents typical of nearly 200 year old leather. The leather top of the shako has some cracking and crazing as shown, but it has held up tremendously. The red aiguillette cording is certainly original to the period and has some great aging that has worn away some of the red. The rings which hold it up are still well-retained. The leather strap around the base of the shako is in great order, and the buckle on the back is still retained, something we never see!

The interior of the shako is in even better condition, with the moroccan leather sweatband still fully retained, measuring 1⅝” tall. The interior tie-string lining is well retained with its original rope tie string well-retained. Through the small hole, you can inspect the interior structure of the shako, which has held up very very well. The shako is a rather larger size, roughly 7¼.

This is the most well-preserved Pre-Civil War shakos we have ever offered. It is sure to become the centerpiece of any Early America collection. Comes ready for further research and display!