Progress is painfully slow. Emphasis on painful. The top has slowly flattened, and it looks as if the edges won’t match up. The shako should have a convex top to fit. A wet sponge and a perfectly-sized plate will fix the issue. The replica onion bottle full of water acts as a weight on the […]
Read more "Adjustments"Slaves to the latest European military fashion, New England’s volunteer militia wore the “bell crown cap” starting in 1820. Eastern European martial influence spread gradually west at the end of the 18th century. Harness and saddle makers added these to their lines of military accoutrements as they are entirely made of leather. Dyed black, they […]
Read more "Shako"The spirit of Andrew Jackson ran high in New England during the 1820s. Patriotism, coupled with new found wealth enabled the formation of “volunteer” militia companies in towns large and small. Reform-minded fellows sought to change the image of the drunken amateur soldier. The Oxford Light Infantry managed to complete their uniforms in time for […]
Read more "Invincibles"