DLI Objects

Officer's Shako, 9th Durham Rifle Volunteers, 1860-1863. This officer's Full Dress shako (hat) is made from grey cloth, with a black leather peak and silver crown and badge. The badge is made of the intertwined letters 'TDRV' - 'Tyne and Derwent Rifle Volunteers'. This shako is a very rare example of the grey uniform worn originally by the Rifle Volunteers in Durham. In 1863 the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham ordered that, because of the County's smoky atmosphere, rifle green uniforms should replace the grey. This shako belonged to Joseph Cowen, a colliery owner, who raised and commanded this unit at Blaydon in May 1860. He continued to serve in the Rifle Volunteers until his death in 1895. Acc No: 695