This one is a beauty! It is an original Civil War 1851 Pattern Massachusetts Militia shako style hat. This is a tall hat that measures from the visor to to the crown 6-1/8th inches. It is the 1851 pattern grey wool shako that is crafted with the bound leather visor and chinstrap. On the sides of the hat, it has the cuff size Massachusetts state seal brass buttons reading "Mass. Volunteer Militia" surrounding an arm holding a sword and surrounded by stars. On the front of the hat, it has the classic "Jeff Davis" pattern 1-7/8th inch by 2-3/8ths inch Model 1851 die-struck gilt brass eagle hat insignia at the top. Below that, there is the 3 inch wide hunting horn insignia of the infantry. In the center of the horn loop, it has the cast metal company letter "A" with the silver tone. When you turn the hat over, you see the red Morocco leather sweatband, and brown polished cotton lining. The hat is in beautiful condition with some minor cracking to visor leather, dark staining to interior lining, possibly bloodstains. On the top of the lining, it has the gilt maker's mark to interior. On the sweatband, it is twice inked "H. Darling No. 12" and in a second hand "Taptville, Vt." The 1850 and 1860 censuses reveal several candidates as to who H. Darling may be, and three "H. Darlings" who enlisted in Massachusetts: Harvey A. Darling, a 22-year-old jeweler from Stoughton who enlisted as a corporal and mustered into Co. I of the 12th Massachusetts Infantry on 26 June 1861, killed in action at Antietam; Henry N. Darling, a 27-year-old painter from Athol who enlisted as a private and mustered into Co. B of the 27th Massachusetts Infantry on 28 August 1862, mustering out on 27 September 1864; or Horace E. Darling, a 21-year-old clerk from Boston who enlisted as a private and mustered into the 1st Company of the Massachusetts Unattached Infantry on 29 April 1864, mustering out after 90-days of service on 1 August 1864. With some more research you might be able to tie down which soldier it was but we will leave that for you. This is a gorgeous hat from all angles. THIS ITEM IS FEATURED ON OUR SHILOHRELICS YOUTUBE CHANNEL. HERE IS A LINK SO YOU CAN SEE WHY WE THOUGHT IT WAS NEAT ENOUGH FOR A VIDEO: SHAKO

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Terms of Sale

All items are described to the best of our ability. Remember that the only true experts died 100 years ago. If we make a mistake we will make it right. It is always best to call and reserve an item as most of them are unique. We do out best to keep the web-site up-to-date but sometimes items sell out of the shop or at a show and aren't removed immediately. After you place your order and receive confirmation from Shiloh Relics. The item will be held for 7 days for the payment to arrive. If payment is not received within 7 days the item will be placed back for sale. Please call between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM Central Time. A minimum charge of $10.00 will be added to cover shipping. Items can be shipped UPS or USPS Priority Mail. Tennessee residents must include 9.75% sales tax. All items are 100% GUARANTEED. If for any reason you are unhappy with the relic just return it UNALTERED within 5 days for a refund minus shipping charges and restocking fee of 6%. Layaways can be arranged on items over $100. Layaway terms are; 1/3 down and 1/3 in 30 days with balance due in full in 60 days. Due to time factors there are no refunds or price discounts on layaways. Only 1 item may be in lay-a-way at a time unless approved by Shiloh Relics. We reserve the right to refuse service to rude people. We are always buying and trading so feel free to make an offer. Thanks for stopping by! Rafael Eledge, Owner of ShilohRelics.com.

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I guarantee all my items to be authentic and as described. All items are Guaranteed to be Authentic without time limit to the original purchaser for the price purchased as long as the item is accompanied by the original receipt or bill of sale.

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