Civil War Model 1864 Federal Light Artillery Shako by Horstmann

The shako is constructed of a dark blue pressed wool body with tarred leather crown and visor. The surface of the front and rear visors show typical signs of age, with some crazing. The shako retains its original hardware, to include the brass ordnance “bursting bomb” plume socket with its red horsehair plume, as well as the die struck brass eagle front plate above crossed cannons. The interior of the crown retains the original paper manufacturer’s label with the printed designation of: “3 / Horstmann Bros. & Co./ Manufacturers of/Military Goods, Fifth and Cherry Sts./Philadelphia.”. The interior of the crown also bears what appears to be an old handwritten inventory collection number. The wool body of the shako is without holes or tracking. The original interior leather sweatband is present, exhibiting typical age cracking and age, with commensurate wear and scuffing to the underside in some places. The shako carries the full red artillery cords with the waffle pattern paddle and both tassels being present and intact. The shako is in overall excellent lightly used condition.