Officers’ Shakos 1829 - 31

The two views of the shako worn by infantry officers from December 1828. Previously the shako had gold or silver lace around the top. The height was reduced from 8 inches to 6 inches. The shakos in these examples look taller than 6 inches, and the regulations contradict themselves because they stipulate a star plate for the front that had an overall depth of six and three eighths inches. The swan feather on the front was to be as before, i.e. An upright red and white hackle, 12 inches long with gilt or plated socket. For the Grenadiers white, for Light Infantry green. The men had shorter versions, 6 inch tufts.
But on 10 Feb 1829 a circular from Horse Guards stated, ‘The feather to be white for the Grenadier and Battalion Companies. The Light Infantry to wear green as before.’ This seems to have been ignored because the Dress Regulations of 1831 reiterated that the feather should be changed; the red and white plume worn by officers of Battalion Companies to be white, and reduced to 8 inches. At the same time Light Infantry discontinued the green feather and adopted a green ball tuft.
All companies discontinued the upright feather four years later. A Horse Guards circular of 27 Aug 1835 ordered that the feathers for Battalion and Grenadier Companies be replaced by white ball tufts 2.75 inches in diameter. The tuft was secured by an ornate pierced gilt holder.

Regimental Details | Uniforms