Czapska/Shako, Vistula Legion Light Infantry. The Polish units in the service of Napoleon proved to be France’s most loyal ally and were always distinguished by their performance on the battlefield. They were also noted for their flamboyant uniforms, particularly the distinctive Czapska head dress which was peculiar to Polish troops. This is an enlisted man's example and the materials used are Fuller's board, century old woollen piping, cotton lace, brass sheet, linen thread, oak tanned leather, sheepskin, woollen yarn and turkey feathers. References are from two original examples: the Musee de l’Armee, Paris, and the former Charles Brenner Hogg Jackson collection. |