[MILITIA]. 1851 Pattern Massachusetts Militia shako. 

Visor to crown 6 1/8 in. 1851 pattern grey wool shako with bound leather visor and chinstrap with 8 mm diam. Massachusetts brass buttons reading "Mass. Volunteer Militia" surrounding an arm holding a sword and surrounded by stars, red morocco sweatband, and brown polished cotton lining (minor cracking to visor leather, dark staining to interior lining, possibly bloodstains); overall length 6 1/8 in., pompom height 2 3/8 in. black and light blue worsted pompom with brass holder and pin (light blue faded); 1 7/8 x 2 3/8 in. Model 1851 die-struck gilt brass eagle hat insignia; width 3 in. militia infantry cap insignia, ca 1855-1856; height 5/8 in. cast metal company letter "A." Gilt maker's mark to interior. Sweatband twice inked "H. Darling No. 12" and in a second hand "Taptville, Vt." 

The 1850 and 1860 censuses reveal several candidates as to who H. Darling may be, and three "H. Darlings" who enlisted in Massachusetts: Harvey A. Darling, a 22-year-old jeweler from Stoughton who enlisted as a corporal and mustered into Co. I of the 12th Massachusetts Infantry on 26 June 1861, killed in action at Antietam; Henry N. Darling, a 27-year-old painter from Athol who enlisted as a private and mustered into Co. B of the 27th Massachusetts Infantry on 28 August 1862, mustering out on 27 September 1864; or Horace E. Darling, a 21-year-old clerk from Boston who enlisted as a private and mustered into the 1st Company of the Massachusetts Unattached Infantry on 29 April 1864, mustering out after 90-days of service on 1 August 1864.


The Civil War and American Militaria Collection of Bruce B. Hermann