French 2nd Empire Model 1852 Garde Nationale Officers Shako, 3rd Regiment

Original era manufacture. A classic, mid 19th century officers shako, with a beautiful gilded brass eagle at front.Rigid body construction, with a black leather top, and dark bluewool covering of the body. There is a one inch band of silver brocade on the crown of the shako indicating officer rank.The lining is complete, with an internal chinstrap which is also present. Removable red wool pom-pom, with a tri-color cockade below in red-silver(white) and blue.There is moth damage to the thin wool covering as shown, but typical of examples of headgear from this era. The body is not crushed or damaged, and the frontvisor is securely fastened to the body.Shakos of this pattern served as an inspiration to the American Army, who adopted very similar examples in the 1850's.