ENGLISH BELL TOP SHAKO 11th FOOT.

An extremely rare bell top shako worn by an officer of the 11th Foot the Devonshire Regiment. The ball top shako was standard officers headwear from 1829 to 1844, the large 10½ inch circumference crown, the helmet is constructed in pressed felt with leather crown, leather peak, which is slightly loose where stitching has partly rotted, which holds the peak to the main body, pressed felt sides, V sections of leather on both sides with all of its correct lion over crown side bosses, flat disc form chin scales, green wool pompom in its correct cradle, its large officers 11th Foot shako plate, the plate having the Battle Honours for the Peninsular War of Toulouse, Peninsular, Nivelle, Neve, Orthes. The helmet is with its original multi stitched inner liner, which has at some time come loose from the helmet and in previous restoration glue has been used to affix the liner to the main body of the helmet. It would appear also that some restoration has been affected to the crown area but there is no evidence of any damage or holes that have been repaired. The fitting of the plate to the front of the helmet is with its original holes indicating that this plate has never left this helmet. The beaver skin covering to the exterior of the helmet with slight stains in parts, the leather backing to the chin scales good, strong and firm.

Code: 78368