DLI Objects

Officer's Shako, 9th Durham Rifle Volunteers, 1869-1878. This officer's Full Dress shako (hat) is made from cork covered with dark blue cloth and silver braid. The peak is made from black patent leather. The shako plate (badge) is a silver, crowned laurel wreath with the number '9' cut out in the centre. This shako belonged to Joseph Cowen, a colliery owner, who raised and commanded the 9th Durham Rifle Volunteers at Blaydon on the River Tyne in May 1860. He continued to serve in the Rifle Volunteers until his death in 1895. Acc No: 694