This is an Emperor Franz Joseph era officer's shako of the Austrian Cavalry. The body is composed of black felt with a black patent leather top, front peak and strip around the bottom edge. There is a wide gold lace band around the top edge, twisted gold bullion cord across the top of the front peak and a gold band of gold bullion along the edge of the peak. There is a gilt two-headed Austrian Coat-of-Arms front plate. Above the coat-of-arms is a short black horsehair plume with a gold bullion cockade with "FJ" cypher. The sweat band is brown leather and there is a gray silk lining with two brass buckles and gold embossed "Karel Sule". The shako is complete with an oil skin locking hat box with blue cotton lining and key.

Very good, the leather shows some crazing, scratches and flaking. The gilt components have minor high edge wear. The gold bullion cockade and stitching on the peak has aged. The sweat band and interior have some stains. The hat box is very good with wear on the high edges.