December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
This shako may have been worn by the Massachusetts or New York State militia artillery. The front sun burst pattern insignia was typically worn by dragoon units starting in 1833 with an eagle in place of the crossed cannons. Related insignia are illustrated in Smithsonian Institution Bulletin No. 269 (pp. 32-33). Similar shako body example with an infantry front plate is in the collections of the New York Historical Society Library and Museum. This example retains all of its original brass hardware, inside sweatband, and chinstrap (broken but present). CONDITION: Overall good, with body showing some heat shrinkage and dents typical of nearly 200 year old leather. Tarred finish is flaking in some spots. Crown has been professionally reinforced to the inside with a basswood ring for stabilization purposes. BRM.
Item Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 10"