1860 shako markings

[Phogan87]

Is anybody aware of what the stencil ("E") on the inside of the 1860 Shako means or what the embossed letters on the advisor indicate? Thank you for all your help. BTW the plume is a modern replacement

 

[Package4]

Is anybody aware of what the stencil ("E") on the inside of the 1860 Shako means or what the embossed letters on the advisor indicate? Thank you for all your help. BTW the plume is a modern replacement

View attachment 498268

View attachment 498269

View attachment 498270

How is the front plate attached? Would it be possible to see a picture of the back of the plate?

 

[Manassas 1861]

Is anybody aware of what the stencil ("E") on the inside of the 1860 Shako means or what the embossed letters on the advisor indicate? Thank you for all your help. BTW the plume is a modern replacement

View attachment 498268

View attachment 498269

View attachment 498270

"E" might stand for the company that the soldier who wore it was part of.

 

[Phogan87]

How is the front plate attached? Would it be possible to see a picture of the back of the plate?

It appears to be an old square nail

 

[Phogan87]

"E" might stand for the company that the soldier who wore it was part of.

That's what I assumed, but you know what they say…

 

[major bill]

That looks like a French Shako. The Union did acquire some French Army uniforms during the civil War to include
French shakos. You have and interesting 'American' shako regardless.

 

[Phogan87]

That looks like a French Shako. The Union did acquire some French Army uniforms during the civil War to include
French shakos. You have and interesting 'American' shako regardless.

No, it seems to be an American model 1860 shako. It has the American Eagle on the plate which is unpainted and it has the cockade in the blue white and red colors (inner to outer) rather than the red white and blue pattern of the French

 

[Phogan87]

Here is the front plate…

 

[Package4]

Here is the front plate…

View attachment 498428

No, Major Bill is correct, it is a French Shako, imported by the North for use in the ACW. The internal markings are when these were utilized in France. Entire French uniforms, to include dress and fatigue were imported, but were too small for the larger Americans and only the headgear was issued. The headgear was very short lived and as I recall, only two regiments were issued the heavy, hot noggin wear, a PA and a Mass regiment.

Yours is original and most likely issued as the plate is original US issue and not a reproduction or Bannerman restrike like many out there.

 

[Dan Kohli]

That does look more like a French model 1860 Shako. It could have been imported to outfit some of the volunteers during the early parts of the war. This shako does not look like any of the U.S. Army Regulation shakos from ether the 1850s or 1860s.

 

[Dan Kohli]

Edit: I accidentally posted something, I can't find the delete button.

 

[Phogan87]

Oh I see what you're saying. I was at a basketball game and quickly looking at the post without reading carefully. Yes, it is a model 1860 French imported Shako. So package4 your assessment is that it was actually one of the 4000 issued? What do you make of the E stencil on the inside? Thanks for everybody's help!

 

[Package4]

Oh I see what you're saying. I was at a basketball game and quickly looking at the post without reading carefully. Yes, it is a model 1860 French imported Shako. So package4 your assessment is that it was actually one of the 4000 issued? What do you make of the E stencil on the inside? Thanks for everybody's help!

The E is most likely of French origin, but I will do so more investigating, it is my understanding that these uniforms were not new, but in storage when they were purchased from France

 

[Phogan87]

I just want to thank everyone for their input, especially package4. You are consistently helping us newbies

 

[Package4]

I just want to thank everyone for their input, especially package4. You are consistently helping us newbies

OK, found my research, your shako most likely was in possession of the Excelsior Brigade of NY. They were the only regiments issued the shakos with plates. The balance went to MA and PA units (83rd, 62nd PA & 18th MA) where the US made plates were not issued. These original plates have a flat, fairly substantial tab with a hole it it to affix through two thin brass grommets in the front of the shako. The shakos were ungainly, hot, heavy and were soon dispensed with, as soon as the US Quartermaster Department could catch up.

The balance of the uniforms, plates and much of the equipage was later sold at auction and ended up at Bannerman's. There is one story where uniforms were offered to the state of MO, but were reluctantly refused as being way too small. Some were sent to bands where the majority of members were younger and smaller in stature, but most ended up in storage until auctioned off.

 

[Phogan87]

This is great, I can't thank you enough for your time and trouble. I have a question that I'll be posting this afternoon about a civil war brogan sole that I have. I hope you have some time to weigh in. Take care and thanks to all.