Civil War 1858 Pattern Shako

[Package4]

Good evening Ladies and Gentleman, thanks for letting me join this forum. I must admit I'm not a big Civil War collector as I usually focus on late 19th century British Militaria so this one will be going on the market fairly soon. However, for the time being, I need a bit of help. I have recently acquired this lovely example of a French Import 1858 Pattern Confederate Shako with a very rare Artillery Militia Shako Plate from around 1834. What I need help with at this stage is identifying the markings inside the actual helmet. Unfortunately, the label which appears to show the owners name is mostly gone however underneath the label appears a 7BF? (I think) Any ideas what this means? In addition, a C is inscribed on the rim, again suggestions? The Smithsonian mentions the plate is a stock pattern and was used for over 30 years, however, does anyone have any pictures of this particular plate being used during the early part of the civil war?

bromide chemical formula

Any help kindly appreciated, Greg.

How did you come upon this piece, it may lend bearing as to the origin. Since you live in the UK, it makes it easier to believe this could be a French 1860's piece, that you might want to hold onto. The markings on the underside though, do correspond with specimens that are identified as US issue. We need to figure out if those markings were done in France or after arrival in the states. I am going with France, as the marks look to have been embossed prior to the brim being finalized. Maybe the French sold surplus and slightly used material to desperate US government agents?

I do not know enough about this contract to say one way or the other, additional research is needed.

I do find it suspect that J Duncan Campbell had the insignia in his 1963 Smithsonian insignia periodical, but not in his collaboration with Mike O'Donnell 40 years later. He almost certainly would have used his prior research for the new book; could it be because he identified the piece as definitely being of European origin.

Reaching out to Mike to see what he knows, unfortunately Duncan passed in 2007.

 

[gregory128]

I acquired the piece not so long ago from a dealer in the UK who I'm guessing probably bought it from an estate. Not sure how much that helps though.