This is a rare and evocative example of a mid-to-late 19th century American state militia shako, manufactured by the well-known Philadelphia military outfitters Horstmann Bros. & Co. The shako dates to the Civil War or Indian Wars period and would have been worn by a volunteer or state militia unit, most likely for dress or ceremonial use rather than field service. It is constructed of a stiff pressed-felt body with black lacquered leather visor and trim, and retains its original Horstmann Bros. maker's label inside the crown. The shako is topped with a prominent wool pompon and bears a gilt stamped brass sunburst cockade at front, with the central state device now missing. The side buttons, featuring the infantry hunting horn motif, further suggest issue to a light infantry or rifle unit within a state or volunteer militia. Condition is fair and representative of the age. The body exhibits two significant punctures—one at the rear of the crown and another along the side—likely due to age-related brittleness of the felted material. There are also visible stress cracks and edge losses along the upper band, with notable surface wear and crazing to the leather elements. The wool pompon remains firmly attached but shows heavy matting and discoloration from decades of exposure. Despite these condition flaws, the shako remains structurally stable and retains its full silhouette, offering a compelling relic of a formative and turbulent era in US military history. During and after the Civil War, many state militia units across the Union maintained distinctive uniforms, often sourcing their equipment from private contractors like Horstmann Bros. These units were instrumental not only in wartime mobilization but also in post-war frontier security, ceremonial duties, and state-level defense—particularly as the US Army remained relatively small through the late 19th century. This piece represents a unique glimpse into the decentralized and richly varied military culture of the time, and stands as a testament to both American craftsmanship and the evolving role of citizen-soldiers in the years between Appomattox and the Spanish-American War. At VDG Militaria, we are dedicated to providing collectors with an exceptional selection of original military antiques. Our passion for history and commitment to authenticity ensure that every item we offer is thoroughly researched, accurately described, and meticulously photographed. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to the world of militaria, our curated inventory includes a diverse range of artifacts from various periods and conflicts. From uniforms and insignia to medals and equipment, we aim to connect you with pieces that tell the stories of the past. Our expertise and attention to detail mean you can trust that every item you purchase is genuine and precisely represented. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we strive to make your collecting experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible. If you have any inquiries or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Using the Offer Feature We are pleased to offer a "Make an Offer" feature on our website, allowing you to negotiate the price of items that catch your eye. Once you submit an offer, expect an email from us shortly after. If your offer is accepted, the email will include a special payment link for your convenience. Please check your spam folder if you have strict email filters. We promise to respond to all offers as quickly as possible. If you do not hear from us within one business day, feel free to reach out directly via phone or text at the contact information below to ensure your request is promptly addressed. Contact Us For the fastest response, we recommend reaching out via email or text. We typically reply to emails and text messages the quickest. 📧 Email: vdgmilitaria@yahoo.com
📱 Phone/Text: 651-968-3882 Thank you for visiting VDG Militaria. We wish you happy collecting and look forward to helping you find the perfect addition to your collection.