"Made a Prussian Shako" Topic

This is my home made shako, goal is a Prussian Fusiler officer as that's what I usually play at a war game table

Had to make a full size wood form out of a pine log. One problem was its 8 5/8 tall and was shooting for regulation 7 5/8. I could make another or call it close enough.
What do you think so far and do I continue putting on the decorations?

Looks good to me!

Goal to look like this, only the bigger white od cocade has me puzzled how to make it.
And while had mark for hight think I didn't pull it up the cone to that mark.

Check craft stores for the ribbons & stuff. Probably also for the feathers(?) of the cockade. I wouldn't worry too much about the inch in height difference, there were most likely variations in size that slipped through from the suppliers of military contracts back in the day… ;-)

(For the cockade, I'd have it on a stick that can be inserted into a tube built into the top of the hat. Should make for easier storage… ;-)

an oversize popsicle stick, hot glue gun and white feather boa should do the trick.

Have all pieces I need, pondering trying the felt part with heavy felt I wanted originally just not big enough for a one piece. Didn't think a plume as that would make it to a Guard Fusileer but easy enough putting a female thread connection inside under the leather then a plume could screw into it.
The center cockade will be just felt circles, the top for a officer have a wood disk going to wrap in cordage.

I have no idea honestly. The shako looks fine to me.

But, from personal experience, if you have any doubts now then they will never disappear. It will bother you forever. Lower it by one inch or you will never forgive yourself. Especially as you still have so much work to do.

We are all a bit obsessional on this forum…that is OK, just listen to it.

Already decided I have the material so why not try a second hat. If better will make that a officer and make this one a fusileer.
Made a cord cockade and have all my trim parts.

A eureka moment, have to cut down my former. The way I made it left a stand on the cone, it has to go to get a perfect cone.
2nd attempt will be better I am sure now.

Wise is this. Listen to your inner-most doubts should you.

I learnt today that late alterations in figures (half painted) can be disastrous, but if I had not at least tried…..

14Bore – carry on the good work, enjoy the process. I am laughing here, being reminded of the 'shako' I made for nursery which my parents hadn't kept but I searched high and low for months afterward. I hope yours last longer.

Couple things yet but my Fusilier shako is done. Learned a few things and have great promise the officers will be so much better

And my Minifig II Prussian Fusiliers have thin plumes. Been told they are wrong but if I took them all away my battalions would be heart broken. But maybe I will.

My officers hat as well came out the same height at 8y 5/8 so cut it down an inch, which still puts it over 7 inches regulation for a Prussian Shako. Could cut down this one but need a new strap around bottom.

Ended up cutting them down to a respectable 7 5/8 which is a fraction taller than a Prussian but think ok for a French.