US Civil War Import, French Mle 1860 Infantry Shako

Original era manufacture. After the outbreak of our Civil War in April of 1861, the Federal government ordered 10,000 sets of uniforms and equipment from France, in this order included a leather shako with brass eagle decoration. Adopted in 1860 by the Imperial army of Napoleon III, this pattern shako remained regulation until 1867 when a new, all cloth pattern was introduced. In spite of the regulation change, this pattern shako certainly did see service during the Franco-Prussian war, as we have a similar example in our own collection which has an inscribed description as being captured in Strasbourg.In addition, this was the pattern of shako worn by the French regiments sent to Mexico to bolster the ill-fated regime of Emperor Maximillian.Several Federal regiments were equipped with these Chasseur style French uniforms and shakos including the 83rd Pennsylvania. These shakos were generally detested by the Union soldiers and they did not enjoy a long service use. Sold as surplus to Francis Bannerman at war's end.All leather construction, with a stamped brass eagle front plate, and an original paint blue-white-red cockade above (colors reversed on the French cockade). The wide leather sweatband is complete showing typical wear and scuffing to the edges, the internally mounted chinstrap remains tucked up inside the crown, and is detached on one side.Comes with a period pompom, not shown in our photos.