Polish Rogatywka Shako of Polish Patriotic Organization in USA

Polish hat of the paramilitary organization of the Polish diaspora from the United States from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. A rare example of a complete headgear.

The headgear is a hybrid of the Polish rogatywka and the 19th-century leather headgear, used by the European uhlan (Prussian and Austrian) units, the so-called “tschapka” from the Polish – czapka.

  The rogatywka is about 29 cm high. The body of the helmet is made of black leather. The upper part expanding upwards trimmed with red material, visible abrasions and wear. A fabric braid is visible around the square rim.

In the upper part of the cap, there is a removable plume made of horsehair. The plume is inserted into a special hole in the upper part of the cap.

On the front there is a large silver-plated Polish crowned eagle with wings spread upwards. Chinstrap in the style of a fish scale, fastened on both sides with large buttons with a Polish eagle. Leather liner tied with a braided cord.

A similar cap is visible in the book of Mr. Tomasz Zawistowski ( Polskie Orły do Czapek w latach 1917-1919 ) page 94, photo number 174.

  Object after profesional conservation where weak elements were secured. A missing side button and chinstrap were added.