Here we have a heavy hitter for any cabinet of curiosities, sourced with an eye for the atmospheric and the authentic. This mid-19th-century militia shako is a survivor of the era that defined American grit. And it has all the scars to prove it.
This isn't just a hat; it’s a time capsule from the 1860s-1870s. Inside, you’ll find the original maker’s label for Coan & Co. (92 West 4th St, Cincinnati). Cincinnati was a massive supply hub for the Union Army; finding a surviving label from this specific address is a rarity that spins collectors in circles.
The front starts the race with a stunning, original stamped-brass "Spread Eagle" plate featuring a bold shield with the number "5". This likely identifies the wearer as a member of a prominent unit, such as the 5th Ohio Infantry—a regiment that saw action at Antietam and Gettysburg—or the 5th Ohio Cavalry.
We don't hide the history. This piece has the "patina of age" that only 150+ years can provide. There is structural slumping and vertical cracking in the felt where the internal frame has fatigued over a century. These imperfections are the hallmark of a "contemporary witness" to history. It remains structurally stable for display, with the original sweatband and silk/cotton lining still intact.
The historic beaver hat comes out of a Civil War collector’s collection. It was created by the Coan & Co. in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The antique Civil War hat is felted wool/silk plush over a stiffened frame with brass hardware. The hat measures about 6” tall, 12" front to back and about 9" wide. As stated before, this bad boy has lived the life…and maybe another one. There are several small cuts. There is a 3” tear on the side. The entry for the badge attachment is pulled on the left side (see pic).
I ship to street addresses in the continental USA only (no PO Boxes). Free shipping on the historical Shako hat.
This is THE hat. That is all.
