Shako Of The 23rd Light Infantry Regiment, Model 1806, First Empire.

Shako of the 23rd Light Infantry Regiment, Model 1806, First Empire. 33699. The shako body is made of felt 18 cm high, corresponding to the dimensions stipulated by the decree of February 25, 1806, reinforced by two leather chevrons sewn in a V-shape on each side of the body (each chevron 1.5 cm wide). The crown is made of very strong waxed cowhide leather, 22.7 cm in diameter, folded down over the felt to a height of 3 cm. A plain cowhide leather bourdalou (or bourdaloue), 2 cm wide, is sewn to the bottom of the felt. At the back is an iron buckle with its prong. Below this buckle is a simple calfskin gusset to facilitate the bourdalou's movement. The visor, made of strong varnished cowhide leather, is attached to the front of the shako, 6.5 cm wide at the bottom and 7 cm at the top. A lozenge-shaped plaque (or escutcheon) (12 cm high, 11.5 cm wide) of stamped pewter, depicting a crowned imperial eagle holding a hunting horn with lightning bolts in its talons, the center of which is stamped with the number "23" and below the horn the initial "N". The plaque has raised moldings and a decorative border with a raised festoon. A painted leather cockade, attached to the felt by brass studs on each side, is placed above the plaque. Tricolor cockade, 6.5 cm in diameter (white circle is on the outside, then red and blue in the center). Below the cockade, a gusset for the tassel, attached by a seam to the felt. This shako is one of the first made in the French army and does not have chin straps as stipulated by regulations. On each side of the shako, an iron hook for attaching the wool cord. The interior lining consists of a 4 cm high black patent leather band surmounted by an approximately 7 cm high ecru canvas lining. France. First Empire. Good condition, with some later restoration and replacements to the felt, ribbon, and iron hook. NOTE: This model of shako is extremely rare. The plate design is illustrated in the book "Aigles et Shakos du Premier Empire" by Christian Blondieau, Argout editions, Paris, 1980, page 18, figure 43.HISTORY: The 23rd Light Infantry Regiment campaigned in Italy from 1805 to 1809, and was engaged in the Battle of Caldiero in 1805.