Napoleonic Soldier Trumpeter Shako Helmet Hat

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Napoleonic Soldier Trumpeter Shako Helmet Hat :
$452.69

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Elite Trumpeter’s Chaptka – Napoleon’s Vistula LegionUhlans

A SPLENDID MUSEUM QUALITY REPRODUCTION !!

Hand crafted by a mastermaker in Poland with heavy white

cords and flounders, elite company red feather plume,and

exact appointments. Authentic to the lastdetail.

Trumpet (or bugle) calls have a long history as essential to cavalrycommunications and movements.

Trumpeters have an equal history as the exceptionally brave and well-targetedprofessionals who learned and delivered those calls – often in the deadly meleeof close-quarter lance, sabre and pistol combat, going in and coming out.

The loss of its trumpeters could spell doom for a regiment needingcommands to extricate it from a disaster in the field.

Soldiers were quick to learn the trumpeter’s calls. On a routineday at least four, and as many as ten, were made.

Exceptionally well trained with lances - and all excellenthorsemen, the Vistula Uhlan (Lancer) Regiment formed the cavalrycontingent of the famed Polish Vistula Legion.

In the final stages of the battle of Talavera, Wellington unleashed 450 men ofthe British 23rd Light Dragoons who rode down and through the French 10th and26th Chasseurs-a-Cheval. 390 Vistula Uhlans counter attacked, hitting and crushingthe 23rd Dragoons frontally, killing and wounding 207, capturing 105 ( a 70 % casualtyrate) and inflictingone of the greatest British cavalry fiascos of the war.

Impressed by the PolishVistula Uhlans\' performance in Spain, the British war office decreed that the16th Light Dragoon Regiment be equipped and trained as lancers shortly after theNapoleonic Wars ended.

The Polishinspiration is easily seen in the uniforms, lances andpennants of the many British lancer regiments that followed.

Most notable and recognizable among them is the 17th Lancers whofollowed Lord Cardigan to glory in the Charge of the Light Brigade and whose dressand accoutrements imaged that of theirterrible Vistula Uhlan predecessors.

A striking collector/display piece.

Or for re-enactment !!