Austria-Hungary, Empire. An Infantry Officer’s Shako, with Storage Case

(Tschako für Offizier der k. u. k. Infanterie, mit Etui). A very well-preserved Austro-Hungarian Infantry Officer’s shako, constructed of a sturdy vulcanfibre shell. The exterior of the side walls is fully lined with a smooth black doeskin wool. The upper half of the side walls is also lined with a wide gold bullion wire tresse, featuring an intricate textured design, trimmed with three narrow machine-embroidered black bands. The bottom edge is surrounded by an additional narrow black leather band. Riveted to the peak is an ornate gilded bronze insignia consisting of a double-headed imperial eagle, clutching a sword and orb and overlaid by an Austro-Hungarian coat of arms. The peak insignia measures approximately 75 mm (w) x 90 mm (h) overall. Completing the exterior features is a protruding black vulcanfibre visor, trimmed with a machine-embroidered gold bullion wire tresse, with the seam covered by a cord of identical construction. The interior features a brown leather sweatband measuring 48 mm in width. It is also fully encompassed by a multi-piece red satin liner. The crown bears a gilt mark of “L. SPINDLBAUER, WIEN”, is stitched with a brown leather carrying strap bearing a size mark of “25”, and features dual loops for the accommodation of a chinstrap. It measures approximately 165 mm (w) x 230 mm (l) x 125 mm (h). Accompanying the shako is its original custom-fitted cover, constructed of a weatherproof black canvas. It is reinforced along the seams with solid machine stitching and features a multi-piece brown cotton-blended interior liner. A drawstring is set into the right side of the interior to ensure a secure fit with the shako. Also accompanying the shako is a period original storage case, constructed of two pieces of heavy card stock framing lined on the exterior with a faux black leather liner. The lid is topped by a carrying strap, constructed of multiple pieces of pressed blackened leather, while the body is fully encompassed by a padded dark green satin liner. Set onto the lid liner is a fully-intact manufacturer’s label of “MICHAEL RACHLER, WIEN”, for the prolific military headgear and uniform manufacturer. The exterior retains a magnetic metal lock, formerly meeting a strap emanating from the opposite side which has since been lost to time. The case completes with four magnetic metal rivets on the base for even standing. It measures 285 mm (w) x 225 mm (l) x 150 mm (h). Issues consistent with age and use are evident to both the shako and case, and include the loss of the former’s peak cockade and chinstrap, with minor interior soiling visible, in addition to material fatigue and loss of the former’s locking key. It is in an overall better than very fine condition.