Officer’s Shako 1855-61

The uniform changes that took place in 1855 meant that a new shako design was required. The officers had this pattern with a front peak and a small back peak that dropped vertically. The felt cap was 5.25 inches high at the front and 7.15 inches at the back. The shape was influenced by the French kepi. The chin strap was black leather so that chin chains were discontinued. At the back of the shako can be seen a Gorgon’s head device with open mouth, acting as a ventilator. The front badge was simplified to a garter star, crown, and numeral on a black background. Lieutenant-colonels were distinguished by having the top edge traced with a row of half-inch gold lace; colonels had a double row. By this time the flank companies had been discontinued so all ranks of the 19th had the white over red ball tuft. The regiments of light infantry, rifles and fusiliers had drooping horsehair plumes.

Regimental Details | Uniforms