Bidspirit auction | US Civil War Import- French1860

US Civil War Import- French1860 Infantry Shako - This Civil War shako was contracted by the US government with the French government in April 1861. The contract called for 10,000 uniforms and shakos. The visor is marked on the green underside with ”G” and ”RF”. The large sweatband has a couple of tears and shows much wear and age. The chinstrap is complete with roller bar buckle. The brass front plate is bright and highly detailed and held in place with leather thong wedge. The red, white and blue painted tin rosette is in very good condition and held in place with two folded double prongs. The plume is missing and visor top shows some crazing. This shako is holding its shape well. These proved to be unpopular with the troops and no further shakos were ordered. These are scarce! Overall condition is very good.