Antebellum New York Militia Shako Attributed to Major Benjamin Souls 

$2,500.00

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SKU: UNI 212 Categories: , ,

Description

Antebellum New York Militia Shako Attributed to Major Benjamin Souls 

 

Classic pre–Civil War New York State militia shako retaining its original brass spread-wing eagle plate, red worsted pompon, and red band on a dark blue body. The cockade and side button remain intact, and the hat displays very well. 

 

The interior crown bears a clear maker’s stamp for Tobias Wilson, Manufacturer, No. 50 Middle St., a New York outfitter active in the antebellum period supplying militia accoutrements. Marked examples are scarce and firmly place this piece within the New York militia supply system prior to the war. 

 

Accompanied by an early typed identification tag attributing the hat to Major Benjamin Souls, Company B, 3rd Regiment New York State Militia, noting use during training days and descent through the family to his granddaughter, Miss Etta Souls Monk. While likely a later family or collector label, it provides strong provenance to a named militia officer. 

 

The form reflects the dress regulations and style of New York militia units in the 1840s–1850s, when elaborate shakos with eagle plates and plumes were standard for drill and parade. 

 

Very good condition overall with expected wear to the leather brim and light age to the body. A strong, complete, and identified antebellum militia example. 

 

Inventory Number: UNI 212

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Shako military hat with a brass eagle emblem, dark blue fabric, black leather visor, red pompom and trim, and silver rosette at the front.
A worn paper tag with typed text describing an "Old Militia Hat" owned by Major Benjamin Souls, donated by his granddaughter Elspeth Souls Monk.
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Text on aged paper reads: "TOBIAS WILSON, MANUFACTURER, No. 50, MIDDLE-ST." Decorative borders frame the text.
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