Man's Uniform Shako
HatterMade by
Smith Shiers
(American)
Dateabout 1815-1825
MediumFelted fur (probably), leather, and brass fittings
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection
Object number1950.211.0
DescriptionMilitia uniform shako, possibly from a mounted unit. The body of the shako is made of olive-green felted fur (probably). The crown, visor, and sweatband are leather. The shako is stylistically consistent with Imperial French or English hats worn by mounted troops in about 1815-1820, and by some United States troops from about 1820 to 1832, as evidenced by the felt body (sides and top of interior) and the leather top to protect against weathering.
A silvered brass plate with a silvered eagle applied to a brass sunburst adorns the front of the shako; this motif is a variant to that designated for United States Army Dragoon (cavalry) troops from 1832 to 1850, though the motif may have been used earlier. This variant suggests that the shako was used as part of a militia uniform. The shako is decorated with braided off-white cords, probably of worsted wool, and tassels with medallions. The medallions suggest the uniform of mounted troops, because they would have helped keep the shako on the head while riding. A small hole at the top of the crown and on the front, combined with a wire loop inside the shako, would have held a plume (now missing). There is a hole and some shadowing on both sides of the shako in the leather binding along the base of the crown; this suggests that the shako once had chin scales.
The interior of the shako is lined with cotton or linen, with a cotton or linen cord drawstring to adjust the fit. There is a thin, leather sweatband. The underside of the visor is lined with green, glossy leather. A paper label with the name and address of the manufacturer is affixed to the top of the interior.
NotesObject Note: A shako is a type of hat defined by a tall, rigid crown and visor.A silvered brass plate with a silvered eagle applied to a brass sunburst adorns the front of the shako; this motif is a variant to that designated for United States Army Dragoon (cavalry) troops from 1832 to 1850, though the motif may have been used earlier. This variant suggests that the shako was used as part of a militia uniform. The shako is decorated with braided off-white cords, probably of worsted wool, and tassels with medallions. The medallions suggest the uniform of mounted troops, because they would have helped keep the shako on the head while riding. A small hole at the top of the crown and on the front, combined with a wire loop inside the shako, would have held a plume (now missing). There is a hole and some shadowing on both sides of the shako in the leather binding along the base of the crown; this suggests that the shako once had chin scales.
The interior of the shako is lined with cotton or linen, with a cotton or linen cord drawstring to adjust the fit. There is a thin, leather sweatband. The underside of the visor is lined with green, glossy leather. A paper label with the name and address of the manufacturer is affixed to the top of the interior.
Status
Not on view
