~ Circa 1846 Sussex Light Infantry Cased Bell Top Shako And Effects~
Here we have one of the best officers sets in our collection. This set comprises of a cased bell top shako, the officers belts, his silver plated epaulettes and his spurs.
The set belonged to a Captain Frederick Moor of the 53rd Sussex Light Infantry Regiment of Militia who gained his then present rank on the 21st of April 1846.
As an officer of a volunteer regiment all metal parts of the officers uniform are silver or white metal. The shako is mad in the traditional fashion of a velvet like fabric and leather on the top, the peak and the seams. The helmet plate is a large Maltese cross with a gothic letter ‘S’ in the centre topped by the Victorian crown. The plume is black horsehair held in by silver facings.
The hat comes with its original box that has lost most of its outer finish but has retained most of the inner finish.
The set comes with silver epaulettes that still retain most of their silver plating and have their original red felt backing and cord ties.
The spurs come with their leather sections and fastenings and have retained most of their original plating, most likely nickel.
The belts are made of red and gold fabric in incredible condition for its age with silvered buckles and bullion sections.
~ Dimensions ~
The shako is 9 inches (23 cm) tall.
The shako is 11 inches (28 cm) at its widest.
The belts are 31 inches long each.
The set weighs 2.7 Kg.
~ Condition ~
The set is in fair condition for its age and it has been preserved incredibly well. There is minor wear to be expected but no serious damage.
The silver sections have some tarnish and blackening.
There is some wear to the upper rim of the shako with some loose fabric.
The outer finish of the case has oxidised and worn.
