Pattern 1851 shakos are sporadically encountered but it is not often that one like this comes up for sale. This particular shako is for a State of Ohio artillery unit.

The shako is of the usual construction with a body of dark blue wool broadcloth covering a heavy pasteboard frame. The body of the shako stands approx. 7.00 inches high with a disc in the crown that is approx. 5.75 inches across. The crown is outlined with a reed that forms a welt in the cloth covering. The base of the shako is wrapped with a second piece of broadcloth approx. 2.25 inch high which rises to a point at the front. The top edge of this second piece forms a welt. The condition of the pasteboard body is good with slight indentations that can be felt but not easily seen since they are under the cloth covering. The wool broadcloth has small scattered moth nips mostly confined to the back where there is also some moth tracking. The largest moth hole is approx. 1.00 inch long by 0.25 inch wide. The sides and crown also show some small nips. There is light surface dirt throughout.

Attached to the front of the shako is a leather visor with rounded corners and a bound edge. The upper surface of the visor has heavy crazing. The green underside also shows crazing. The bound edge has one or two areas of wear. Visor is firmly attached.

Only one of the side buttons and a remnant of the chinstrap remains. The side button is an eagle “A” button that is in nice condition.

What really makes this shako stand out is the wonderful insignia on the front. At top is a black felt medallion with the seal of the State of Ohio done in bright silver and gold bullion thread. The sun rising over the mountains and the canal boat are all clearly seen inside of a sunburst border. The arrows and sheaf of wheat as well as the upper part of the boat are done in silver while the rest is gold. Below this is a wonderful gold bullion thread crossed cannon insignia that meas. approx. 2.75 x 2.00 inches.

The interior of the shako has an ox-blood colored sweatband that is 2.25 inches high. The sweatband is in very nice condition. It is complete and free of tears. One the right side there is some loss of thread anchoring the sweat band to the shako but this is an easy fix. The body is lined with a blue polished cotton. The lining is excellent and shows only light wear from age and storage.

A unique Pattern 1851 with attractive insignia.  [ad]

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