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British P 1869 Major's Shako. Zulu Wars.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
British P 1869 Major's Shako. Zulu Wars.
Victorian era, Circa 1869-1878. The officers’ shako of this period, covering most of the 1870s, had similar dimensions to the previous pattern but was of a smarter appearance and had a slightly sunken top. It was the last pattern of shako to be worn, being replaced by the helmet in 1878. Whereas junior officers had a plain shako before, the new shako had quarter-inch gold braid around the top and bottom, like the braid seen in these photos that traces the bottom edge and forming a diagonal line at the sides, having two rows of gold toned lace around the top. This one is for a Major with one row of lace around the top and a line of braid below it. The previous pattern had a slim leather chin strap, but the new pattern had a chin-chain linked to rose-shaped bosses on either side. The chain could be draped across the top of the peak and hooked up at the back where a lion’s head device was placed. The badge was re-designed, being common to most regiments apart from the cut-out numeral. This is the 24th Regiment. The garter was inscribed HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE and the surround was made up of a laurel wreath and Victorian crown. The silver toned Egypt/Sphinx attachment is affixed to the bottom of the plate. The white over red pompom is retained by a brass 1861 pattern holder. The 24th, the South Wales Borderers was a line infantry regiment of the British Army in existence for 280 years. In 1879 both battalions took part in the Anglo-Zulu War, begun after a British invasion of Zululand, ruled by Cetshwayo. The 24th Regiment of Foot took part in the crossing of the Buffalo River on 11 January, entering Zululand. The first engagement (and the most disastrous for the British) came at Isandlwana. The British had pitched camp at Isandlwana. After the battle of Isandlwana, some 4,000 to 5,000 Zulus headed for Rorke's Drift, a small missionary post garrisoned by a company of the 2nd Battalion of the 24th Foot, a few native levies, and others under the command of Lieutenant Chard, Royal Engineers. The most senior officer of the 24th present was Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead. Excellent condition, London marker marked on sweatband. Red silk lining is excellent.