Albert shako

rdf:langString Albert shako

rdf:langString The Albert shako (also known as the Albert pot) was an item of headgear worn in the British Army between 1844 and 1855. It was a development of the Albert hat proposed by Prince Albert in 1843 as a replacement for the bell-top shako then in use. The Albert hat was 7+1⁄10 inches (18 cm) tall, 7⁄10 inch (1.8 cm) taller than the bell-top shako, and had a brim all around rather than just a peak to provide better protection from the sun. The hat included innovative ventilation features. The hat was ridiculed in the press when it was unveiled on 21 September 1843. The Duke of Wellington, who was then Commander-in-Chief of the British Army, made alterations to the hat. His version, which became known as the Albert shako, had a brim only at the front and rear. It entered into service the following year replacing the bell-top shako of the line infantry, light dragoons and Corps of Royal Sappers and Miners. The shako was also worn by fusilier regiments and grenadier companies, who had previously worn a bearskin hat. The Albert shako was regarded as heavy and uncomfortable and was often replaced by a forage cap on active service. It was replaced in 1855 by the French pattern shako.