1820’s-30’s Militia Bell Crown Rifleman Shako

A fine example of the scarce bell crown leather shako from the 1820’s – 1830’s. The shako carries the large brass front plate of a volunteer rifleman, with green helmet cords and a white horsehair plume. The shako is approximately 7 inches tall in the front, exclusive of the plume. The shako exhibits the expected crazing of the leather. The visor is just very slightly detached at one side where it meets the helmet. The leather is generally in an overall very good state of polish, with only a few spots where the leather finish has worn away. The sweatband remains and is largely intact. This is a very impressive example of a scarce piece of U.S. headgear, and one that is usually found only in museums.