Rare USMC Civil War 1859 Shako Uniform Cap Marine Corps Bent & Bush 7. 5
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:188136 |
This is an unbelievably rare opportunity to acquire a period piece of headgear that everyone wants, but just doesn't know enough about as they rarely come to market or are seen. This is an original M1859 USMC Enlisted Shako Cap (2nd Pattern) made by Bent and Bush, Boston in excellent++ condition and nice 7-1/2" size. The Marine Corps at this time was very small and this shako should be reserved for the finest of discriminating USMC or Civil War collectors.
The sha...ko has the smaller pattern Union shield (2nd Pattern) with the gothic letter “M” mounted within a stamped brass infantry horn. The insignia is the exact example provided in the book by Dr Fred Bruier "UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS EMBLEMS 1804 to World War I" on page 35. A similar example is also seen on page 148 of Cureton and Sullivan's book "Civil War Uniforms of the United States Marine Corps: The Regulations of 1859". The shield is surrounded by a brass half-wreath. Atop the crown is a plain domed brass rosette button mounted over a red leather scalloped backing (this scalloped backing is very fragile).The shako is pressed blue wool felt retaining great deep blue/black color and correct straight shaped sides, indicative of USMC shakos. The top has a molded leather crown and a 1-1/4" patent leather band at the base. The chin strap and keepers are present and are held by two small cuff size 1850’s Marine Corps buttons. The half-moon vents are also correct for this shako and present. The leather visor is thick and amazing (these are often dried up, shrunk, and curved or come undone), it is slightly loose. It is missing the worsted red wool ball shaped pom-pom, but these can be found (standard on many different Civil War era shakos)
The liner is entirely intact and near mint (another rarity) with just slight edgewear. The liner includes the thin white tie strap which is intricately woven through each leather finger. The manufactures label is beautiful and says: “FROM BENT & BUSH, MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS IN MILITARY GOODS 273 AND 275 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON”.
Buyer pays actual shipping costs. Invoice will be sent upon winning bid with options for different shipping methods. Please pay upon receipt of invoice. Usually ship same day as payment is received. Please contact us if there is a problem before leaving feedback.
The sha...ko has the smaller pattern Union shield (2nd Pattern) with the gothic letter “M” mounted within a stamped brass infantry horn. The insignia is the exact example provided in the book by Dr Fred Bruier "UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS EMBLEMS 1804 to World War I" on page 35. A similar example is also seen on page 148 of Cureton and Sullivan's book "Civil War Uniforms of the United States Marine Corps: The Regulations of 1859". The shield is surrounded by a brass half-wreath. Atop the crown is a plain domed brass rosette button mounted over a red leather scalloped backing (this scalloped backing is very fragile).The shako is pressed blue wool felt retaining great deep blue/black color and correct straight shaped sides, indicative of USMC shakos. The top has a molded leather crown and a 1-1/4" patent leather band at the base. The chin strap and keepers are present and are held by two small cuff size 1850’s Marine Corps buttons. The half-moon vents are also correct for this shako and present. The leather visor is thick and amazing (these are often dried up, shrunk, and curved or come undone), it is slightly loose. It is missing the worsted red wool ball shaped pom-pom, but these can be found (standard on many different Civil War era shakos)
The liner is entirely intact and near mint (another rarity) with just slight edgewear. The liner includes the thin white tie strap which is intricately woven through each leather finger. The manufactures label is beautiful and says: “FROM BENT & BUSH, MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS IN MILITARY GOODS 273 AND 275 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON”.
Buyer pays actual shipping costs. Invoice will be sent upon winning bid with options for different shipping methods. Please pay upon receipt of invoice. Usually ship same day as payment is received. Please contact us if there is a problem before leaving feedback.
