Model 1860 French Made U.S. Infantry Shako

In 1861 the Federal Government contracted with the Godillot firm in Paris for 10,000 sets of infantry clothing based on the uniform of the French light rifleman. Delivery of the uniforms, to include the Model 1860 infantry shako, was made in December of 1861 and the sets were first issued to the 62nd and the 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry and the 18th Massachusetts infantry regiments. The leather shako shows typical age crazing to the surface of the visor. The interior leather sweatband shows signs of use and wear. The front of the shako carries the stamped and painted American eagle infantry plate topped by a black pom-pom. The leather chin strap is present on the shako. Overall very good condition.