Hammer

£2,600

17th (Leicestershire) Regiment of Foot Victorian Officer Albert pattern shako circa 1844-55. Fine rare example by J & G Linney, Regent Street, London. Black beaver body with patent leather crown, lower body strap, front and neck peaks. Retains partial crimson silk lining, sweatband no longer present. The crown bearing large white over red ball tuft / pompom resting in its ornate gilt holder. Gilt rose head bosses support the velvet lined graduated roped chinchain. Front bears rich fire gilt crowned star, three principal rays bearing honours, mounted with laurel wreath bearing HINDOOSTAN scroll enclosing LEICESTERSHIRE circlet and Tigeer over 17 to lightly domed centre. Housed in transit / storage tin complete with carrying handle, hasp and staple; hinge broken. Slight age wear but generally VGC.