OFFICER'S SHAKO OF THE 65TH LINE INFANTRY RIFLE REGIMENT, modèle 1812, Premier Empire. 27290-13223

OFFICER'S SHAKO OF THE 65TH LINE INFANTRY RIFLE REGIMENT, model 1812, First Empire. 27290-13223

The body of the shako is made of cardboard covered in fine felt, 22 cm high. It is covered by a cap of waxed cowhide with a diameter of 26 cm folded over the felt to a height of 2 cm, in this upper part of the shako a black silk braid 2.5 cm high covers the folded part and part of the felt. This stripe characterizes lower officers. At the bottom of the felt, a 2.7 cm wide black velvet bourdalou (or bourdaloue) is sewn.
Round visor in black patent cow leather bordered with a frieze of foliage printed in relief, sewn to the front of the shako, width 6 cm; It is waxed green on the inside and black on its outer edge over a width of 1 cm.
Brass plate model 1812 cut and stamped in relief of a crowned imperial eagle holding in its claws the spindle of Jupiter placed on a base called a "shield", the central part of the shield is smooth, burnished with agate stone and decorated the number “65” cut out of sandblasted and gilded brass (each number being stapled to the plate using small brass staples) and, in the lower part, an oak branch and a laurel branch, each end of the shield represents a lion's head. H of the plate 12.9 cm, width 10.5 cm.
Roundel woven in silver trimmings and scarlet and blue silk - silver on the outside, blue on the inside - diameter 7.5 cm.
Gilded brass chinstraps composed of a rosette and a chin strap. Round rosette (diameter 4 cm) stamped in relief with a five-pointed star on a sandblasted background and bordered by a protruding molding. Chin strap in soft leather covered in black velvet and covered with a series of 15 scales stamped in relief and cut with four festoons.
Inner headdress composed of a 14 cm high headband in black waxed sheepskin finished at the top with a lace intended for adjustment.
Spherical scarlet wool pompom (diameter 6.5 cm) topped with a blue and white wool flame 6 cm high.
Total height of the shako 27 cm, total height with the flame pompom 37.5 cm.

France.
First Empire.
Very good condition, upper braid slightly rubbed, slight rubbing and discoloration with felt. Interior headdress worn, never cleaned and very well preserved.

NOTE :
Officer shakos are particularly rare to find; this copy is very representative of the second part of the First Empire. The roundel is fitted as standard and has never been replaced. The front plate was obviously replaced during the change of assignment of the officer's regiment; This plate is of very good quality, it is attached to the barrel by small woolen laces.

HISTORY:
The 65th line infantry regiment was created in 1803. From 1810 to 1813, it was assigned to the army of Spain and Portugal, engaged in the battles of: Astorga, Sobral, Rio-mayor, Fuentes de Onoro, Salamanca , Castro, Vitoria. He joined the Grande Armée in 1813, he was engaged in Lutzen, Bautzen, Dresden and Leipzig. In 1814, he participated in the French campaign and operations in the Pyrenees and the south of France. He fought in Bayonne, Orthez and Toulouse. In 1815, he took part in operations in Vendée then took part in the Belgian campaign; he is present at the battle of Namur.