~ Rare 1813-1814 Napoleonic Wars Chasseurs Of The Imperial Guard Shako ~
For further details and condition see pictures below....
This is a rare example of a Chasseurs de la Imperiale Garde: Companies de Jeune Guarde shako.
There are few types of shakos known to exist for the period. Some of them were issued with a badge and some without.
In 1813 and 1814, the uniform of the chasseurs on horseback of the Jeune Garde came close to that of the Old Guard squadrons, the main difference being the shako port.
The regiment is distinguished by the wearing of the shako, distributed to 1,703 copies during the year 1813. This headdress is surmounted by a plume or a pompom. The truncated shako design was carried in 1813 German campaign and they were issued with or without a badge.
In our case there is no trace of a badge ever being used on it.
The top of the shako is of black leather and the body is red. It is decorated with golden braid, a white, blue and red cockade with a central brass button and gold bullion wide.
Both sides of the shako are decorated with brass lions on which the brass chain chinstrap is attached.
The excellent quality visor is reinforced with a brass edge.
The sweatband is made of brown leather and the lining is red silk.
~ Dimensions ~
The shako is 11.75 inches (30 cm) tall, 10 ½ inches (27 cm) wide and 10 ½ inches (27 cm) deep.
The top diameter is 10 ½ inches (27 cm).
The inner diameter is approximately 6.75 inches (17 cm). The size is ‘Very Small’.
~ Condition ~
The piece is excellent for its age.
It is free of serious damage with general wear and ageing signs.
The leather components have minimal burns and only few cracks.
The paint on the cockade developed some cracks but its overall condition is good.
The visor can be described as excellent for its age.
The brass components developed some oxidisation (especially the chinstrap).
The plume is missing.
The sweatband has some age wear on it but remains free of tears.
The lining is un-stitched on a section.