Other Ranks Shako 1844


The Albert shako, so called after Prince Albert who had some input in the design, was worn by the British infantry from 1844 to 1855. It was made of black felt, 6.75 inches high with a patent leather top. From the front it looked straight sided but from the side it can be seen to taper towards the top so that the diameter of the top was 0.25 inches less than the base. A band of patent leather circled the base and there was a peak back and front. The chin strap was black leather, although officers and staff sergeants had chin-chains. The simple badge was the same that had been worn on the bell-topped shako since 1839. Officers and staff sergeants had a more ornate star badge. The white over red tuft was supported on a simple brass rod that slotted into the top at the front. Flank companies had either a white tuft for grenadiers or a dark green tuft for light companies. But flank companies were phased out soon after 1855.


Regimental Details | Uniforms


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by Stephen Luscombe