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French 1812 Infantry Shako Waterloo

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
French 1812 Infantry Shako Waterloo
This is a French Pattern 1812 Enlisted Shako of the 8th Line Infantry Rifle Regiment. The 8th Fought at Waterloo with the 4th Infantry Division, 1st Infantry Brigade, (2 Battalions) under Colonel Louis-Gabriel Ruelle. The body of the shako consists of felt 8" high. It is covered by a cap of very strong waxed cowhide, with a diameter of approx. 10" folded over the felt to a height of 1 3/4". At the bottom of the felt, a strip in plain cowhide, about 1" wide, is sewn, at the back a copper buckle, with its pin, under this buckle will be a simple calfskin gusset. A strong patent cow leather visor is attached to the front of the shako, it measures about 2". Plaque (or escutcheon) affixed to the front, it is in stamped brass representing a crowned imperial eagle holding in its claws the spindle of Jupiter placed on a base whose center is cut out with the number “8”, and framed by two lion heads. Cockade placed above the plate, in painted leather secured to the felt by means of a brass point on each side. This cockade is in three colors, it measures 2 1/2" in diameter. The white circle is on the outside, then the red and blue in the center. Under the cockade a gusset intended for the pompom, attached by a seam to the felt. Chinstraps. On each side of the shako is placed a chin strap, composed of a double sheepskin strap, on which are mounted 16 brass scales cut alternately into two or three festoons, plus a fifteenth, circular in shape, at both end. All these scales are each stopped by a flat iron wire. The chin strap is secured by a rosette, named in the 1812 regulation “large button” of the same metal as the chin strap, having a diameter of 1 1/2". In the middle of this “Boss” a five-pointed star is stamped in relief and around it is a single thread stamped in relief. At the end of each mump will be a cord of wire, to attach the chin strap under the chin. Round orange wool pompom, about 3" in diameter. It is placed on the shako above the roundel.(May be a later replacement) There is very little nap left to the felt, the leather is dry, cracked in some places, the is some minor damage to the front of the visor. Lining is gone. Overall good condition, sound, & intact. From the Joe Musso Collection.