English Bell Top Shako – 11th Foot

An extremely rare and impressive officer’s bell top shako of the 11th Foot (Devonshire Regiment), standard pattern worn between 1829 and 1844. Featuring the classic 10½ inch crown circumference, this example is constructed in pressed felt with a leather crown and peak—the latter slightly loose due to partial stitching loss. The pressed felt sides are flanked by V-shaped leather reinforcements, each fitted with the correct lion-over-crown side bosses and flat disc form chin scales.

Retaining its original green wool pompom in the proper brass cradle, and the large officer's shako plate displaying Peninsular War Battle Honours: Toulouse, Peninsula, Nivelle, Nive, Orthes. The original multi-stitched leather liner is present, though previously reaffixed using adhesive during an earlier restoration. Some evidence of restoration to the crown area exists, but without visible signs of repair or damage.

The plate appears untouched from its original mounting, with fitting holes consistent to the helmet’s front. The beaver skin exterior shows minor staining, while the leather chin scale backing remains strong and intact. A remarkable and scarce surviving piece of early Victorian British military headgear.