Hammer

£460

Imperial Austrian Artillery Officer's Shako c. 1890-1914. Good scarce black cloth with wide gold Austrian pattern lace and leather peak edged with gold embroidery. A large and elaborate gilt double-headed Eagle plate. On each side of shako is a gilt lion's mask with a narrow gilt chain extending which is hooked to front plate. The chain confines a black horsehair plume with a worked boss bearing Franz Joseph's cypher in gold embroidery at the top. Roan leather internal headband and crimson silk lining (with maker's label of Moritz Tiller, Wien) with provision for a large detachable chinstrap (not present). Minor marks to the patent leather, otherwise good condition.