[CIVIL WAR]. Artillery shako, attributed to the Brooklyn Light Artillery. Manufactured by John A. Baker, New York. 

Visor to crown 6 in, rear brim to crown 7 5/8 in. navy wool shako with red wool band, and bound patent leather visor and strap with brass buttons (some mothing, especially to band, light wear at edges); overall length 11 3/4 in., plume approx. length 8 1/2 in. red cock feather plume with decorative brass and wood mount (feathers well-maintained with minor fading and wear); 1 3/4 x 2 1/2 in. Model 1851 die-struck gilt brass eagle hat insignia; height 13/15 in. "B L A" cast brass company letters; width 2 in. Model 1834 gilt die-struck artillery cap insignia. Interior gilt label reads: "John. A. Baker / 63 / Walker st / New-York." Provenance: Acquired from an estate in northeast Ohio (related by cosignor). 

Attributed the Brooklyn Light Artillery, an artillery militia company from Brooklyn Township in the greater Cleveland, Ohio area. Organized before 1853, the unit drilled with the Cleveland Light Artillery and Ohio City Artillery, together forming a battery with 6 field pieces with 75 horses and 96 officers and men. In 1860, they were mustered in as Company C of the 1st Regiment of Light Artillery of the Ohio Volunteer Militia. In the first months of the Civil War, they campaigned in western Virginia under the command of Col. James Barnett. 


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