Other Ranks’ Shako 1822


The shako, in one form or another, was worn by the infantry from the end of the 18th century until 1878. After Waterloo the army adopted a shako influenced by other European countries, having a wider top. The 1816 shako was quite short and unattractive but by 1822 the height and shape improved to the sample seen here. Because of its shape it was called a bell-topped shako. The white over red plume indicated that this belonged to a battalion company soldier; green plumes were worn by the light company and white ones by the grenadiers. This photo does not show clearly the black rosette just below the plume. The badge is plain brass with the regimental number and the Georgian crown above. There is a peak at the back of the cap as well as the front, and the brass chin scales link above the peak.


Regimental Details | Uniforms


Armed Forces | Art and Culture | Articles | Biographies | Colonies | Discussion | Glossary | Home | Library | Links | Map Room | Sources and Media | Science and Technology | Search | Student Zone | Timelines | TV & Film | Wargames


by Stephen Luscombe