Anyone know where I can find a reproduction US Army 1872 shako?
This is not the helmet or kepi, but the cap worn with the dress uniform by non-mounted forces.
US Scout
Bvt Brig Gen, GAF
"Silly Billy's Hats" made an 1875 Marine version for me. He has also made my "pillbox", kepi and my 1895 white fatigue cover.
He is the hatter to the USMC Museum in Quantico.
http://www.hatcrafters.com/page11.htm
I have had no first-hand experience with these people, General, but they seem very versatile. I would suspicion that they are a bit more economical than Dirty Billy's, but I have not seen the quality of their product. I get the impression that their's is geared more to theatrical as opposed to period reenactors.
RCJ
RCJ,
Actually I've dealt with both Hatcrafters and Dilly Billy's and had mixed success with both.
With Hatcrafters it was a royal pain trying to make them understand what I wanted. I sent them drawings and photographs, and talked to them over the phone several times - and they still managed to send me what I didn't want. However, they did make good after I returned the hat and sent them photos and drawings again.
With Dirty Billy's - after he personally managed measured me in his store I got a hat about 3 sizes too big. Since I was going up to Gettysburg anyway, I stopped by the store and showed him what I'd got. He "suggested" that whoever measured me got it wrong - but quickly said he'd make it right when I showed him the invoice where he had written down the size himself.
That said, both make a good product for the price paid. I'd say Dirty Billy's provides the better quality but what I got from Hatcrafters is totally acceptable.
Assuming I can't find an outfit that makes the shako in question, I'll probably go with Dirty Billy's as I can at least go up to G'burg and discuss it with him. Secondly, I found that Hatcrafters might modify an existing product but they don't do one from scratch - and they don't make the 1872 shako or anything similar.
Thanks for the suggestions.
US Scout
Bvt Brig Gen, GAF
Billy's was going to make a shako to the GMMCS's authenticity standards but didn't get enough orders so, the deal fell through. The Hatcrafter's isn't real authentic but is much more affordable. What uniform are you having made and for what purpose?
When I was stationed at APG, MD back in 1983 I took a drive up to Hatcrafters with copies of the 1851 Shako that I had made from the illustrations in Randy Steffans "The Horse Soldier". They were able to make my hat for me after measuring me at the factory. The Shako was quite adequate for my purpose.
Unfortunately, I outgrew my 1851 Artilley Uniform and sold it and the Shako through the Gettysburg Suttler's not long after I retired from the Army in 1997.
Quote from: US Scout on June 15, 2008, 08:50:08 AM
Anyone know where I can find a reproduction US Army 1872 shako?
Speak with Hardtack Henry. He has one I believe he made himself, else IIRC, I think he had QMShop supply the main shell, then his wife added the proper braiding...
We'd like to get in on a deal too! How many would DB need to make such a project happen? Also I think there was a guy in the GMMCS who used to be their supplier, but not sure his name, if he makes them still, or if he is even alive! He was listed on their 1998 suppiler list I think.
Chris Fischer
Curator/Interpreter
Fort McKavett State Historic Site
I think Mike said that DB's needed 30 for the discount. I think back in the 90's F. Burgess was their supplier, but I think they're out of business. At least I haven't been able to get a hold of them.
yes, Burgess is out of business and the two "companies" that bought his stuff really have no interest in doing anything indian wars (especially the helmets and such).
Again, there was an individual man, from the Dakotas that would make them for the GMMCS members ONLY I think. But that doesn't help any of us unless I can remember his name! LOL!
Hmmm...I don't know if I can muster up an order for 30, I'd be lucky if the site would consider 10.
Chris Fischer
Fort McKavett
Jerry,
On this topic, does a Dennis Borund sound familiar?
Chris Fischer
Fort McKavett
I would guess your talking about Dennis Borrud (sp?) I know he made the pompoms. He's retired from the GMMCS and I haven't heard from him in quite a while.