Original French 2nd Empire Pattern 1845 La Garde Nationale Officer's Shako with Chinscales & Pomme - National Guard

Item DescriptionOriginal Item: Only One available. This is an exceptional example of a French Model 1845 Officer's Shako complete with ball tuft! The shako was originally worn by 'D'Officier de la Garde Nationale de la 2eme Republique', or an officer of the French National Guard as indicated by the shako plate depicting a rooster over laurels, and dated from the July Monarchy Period into the 2nd Empire. This model of shako was worn up until the adoption of the Model 1854 Shako, which featured a lower crown.The shako is in excellent condition for its age. The shako is constructed of a Beaver Pelt covered pasteboard body, with leather visor and crown. Around the crown is adorned with a silver felt tresse. This example retains its original chinscales, which in this case is just a single piece of stamped metal which resembles chinscales over a leather strap. It is still wrapped around the tuft. The tresse has some minor material loss from mothing, and there is some heavy wear overall, but this shako has survived very well.The original leather liner is in great condition and retains all seven of its tongues, with the original tie-cord still intact as well! The liner actually retains some gold accenting along the edges. The lining shows signs of wear and deterioration here and there from age. We've seen examples of this model with a sweatband, and some with an actual liner, with the actual liner examples being more difficult to find.The original green woolen Plume (or Pomme) is in excellent condition, and features a green tuft. The original silver-gilded plate is in excellent condition. The original tricolor cockade is present as well, and is held tightly in place with its original thread.One of the nicest examples of early French headgear we have had the pleasure of offering! Ready for display!Shipping RestrictionsThis product is available for international shipping.Payment OptionsEligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle