Shako
date: label: associated date
content: 1860-1890
notes: label: Description
content: Charleston Light Infantry cap, 1860.
label: Description
content: Among the conspicuous items worn by militiamen when the conflict began were shakos-- tall hats that could make soldiers prominent targets in battle. The prevailing tactics, however, called for opposing ranks to open fire on each other at close range, in which case even soldiers wearing inconspicuous clothing were plainly visible to their opponents. A greater danger was the deadly confusion that resulted when troops in motley dress were unable to tell friends from foes.
label: Location
content: Currently not on view
setName: label: See more items in
content: Military and Society: Armed Forces History, Military
label: See more items in
content: Civil War
label: See more items in
content: Military
dataSource: label: Data Source
content: National Museum of American History
identifier: label: ID Number
content: AF.61065M
label: catalog number
content: 61065M
label: accession number
content: 223708
objectType: label: Object Name
content: cap
label: Other Terms
content: cap; Man; Militia
physicalDescription: label: Physical Description
content: wool (overall material)
label: Measurements
content: overall (boxed): 12 1/4 in x 13 3/4 in x 13 3/4 in; 31.115 cm x 34.925 cm x 34.925 cm