Bell top Shako : Officer's pattern

Officer's pattern bell top shako made of black beaver fur with black patent leather top and peak. The sides of the shako have black leather 'V' shaped straps which finish at gilt lion's head bosses for the brass chin scales. The front face bears a gilt universal shako plate featuring a seven pointed star surmounted by a crown. Within this star an eight pointed silver star bears a gilt laurel wreath enclosing a red enamel centre bearing a lion and crown. The top front edge is fitted with a white wool ball tuft. The inside of the shako is lined with a pale tan leather headband on to which is stitched a band of crimson silk with drawstring edge. The top of the shako is also lined with a square of crimson silk. A folded 'Ships' Reports' broadsheet was discovered inserted into the lining of this Shako - see .002.

This style of shako was worn in the British Army between 1829 and 1844. The wearing of a ball tuft instead of plumes was introduced around 1835. British officers wore this style of shako while serving in the in Australian colonies.

• Part of an 1837 Ship's Reports broadsheet found in the lining of an Officer's bell-topped Shako