19thC Antique INDIAN WARS Black Plume US OFFICER Elite Militia DRESS SHAKO HAT For Sale

ITEM SPECIFICSType: Hat / CapStyle: Full-Dress Shako / Parade Top Hat StyleConflict: Indian Wars / Late 19th Century (circa 1875–1895)Theme: MilitariaOriginal/Reproduction: OriginalRank: Commissioned Officer / Elite MilitiaFeatures: Massive Black Feather Plume, Woven Gold Bullion Chinstrap, Leather Visor
🔥 MUSEUM-QUALITY LATE 19th-CENTURY MILITARY DRESS SHAKO – OFFICER GOLD BULLION STRAP & FULL FEATHER PLUME! 🔥Up for sale is a spectacular, rare variation of a 19th-century American military full-dress shako. Featuring a distinct vertical, cylindrical crown, this style of headgear was the pinnacle of parade elegance for commissioned officers and elite independent state guard units during the 1870s–1890s.
🎯 COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS:Premium Officer Grade: Outfitted with an original, beautiful woven gold bullion strap with a central slide keeper, indicating a piece manufactured for an officer or an elite, privately funded volunteer unit. Missing a button on the left side & the badge plate on the front.Stunning Plume Display: Features a massive, towering cascade of glossy black coque (rooster tail) feathers mounted to the crown with minor losses. The plume remains remarkably full and gives the hat an incredibly imposing, historic display profile.Stiff Frame Construction: Built on a rigid, heavy-duty inner frame covered in fine dark wool/fabric, complete with a stitched leather visor and leather lower trim. Very minor losses to the fabric.
🔍 CONDITION REPORT:Body: The vertical crown is structurally solid and straight, holding its shape perfectly. The fabric shows minor surface dust and light age-fading, consistent with being stored for over a century.Visor & Strap: The leather visor shows a beautiful, authentic crazing (fine surface cracking) that proves its age. The gold bullion wire band has toned to an attractive, muted antique gold patina.Plume: The cascading feathers are good condition with minor losses.Missing a side button and front badge.Overall size: 9 3/4" X 10.5"