Description
Very nice pre-War militia pattern artillery tall shako hat that dates from 1851 to the early to mid-1850s era. Made in the transitional style as used in the Mexican War, this shako hat is trimmed in worsted red wool as found on Civil War artillery shell jackets and has eagle A artillery side buttons. It also has a Hardee type insignia that saw little use until around 1858, which helps to date it as well. The front plate, RA 1780, likely reflects a militia unit that traced its lineage to the American Revolutionary War era. The hat surfaced in an estate sale in western Massachusetts over a decade ago with no related history. A very fine piece of headgear which would look awesome in ANY hat or artillery related collection.
