Red Shako, 1847

The regimental history says: 'The Regiment marched into Nottingham for the 1847 duty on May 6th, being inspected by Colonel Chatterton on May 13th. The Journal, after commenting on the excellence of the horses and martial bearing of the men, remarks on the new scarlet shako which had just been issued. "The most prominent object of criticism, however, is the new hat, and divers are the opinions expressed thereon. Its resemblance to the unfortunate Albert covering is undeniable, but it undoubtedly possesses much less vulgarity. It is very light and convenient, and in fact the prominent fact seems to be a certain foreign air, which is not difficult to account for the saying that it is an exact copy of the Chasseur d'Afrique. A connoisseur in such matters is of the opinion that a brass strap instead of black leather would be an improvement." ' The example shown here is for officers but has several parts missing. The cap lines were arranged in a prescribed way. In these photos the position of the double gold cord can be seen because a pale mark has been left. It attached at the top of the sides by means of a small ring, and looped down below the circular device at the front, and down at the back to a button fixed half way down. A black drooping cock feather plume was worn on the front.