This is an early Victorian era 66th Regiment of Foot Officer's bell top shako. The body is composed of black felt with a black patent leather top, peak and reinforcing strips in a "V" shape on both sides. There is a gold lace band around the top with a black leather cockade with an oval field badge in the center. Emerging from the top behind the cockade is a white over red feather plume without a ring. The plate has a large gilt Victorian crown at the center over a gilt Maltese cross with a Garter belt reading "PRO ARIS ET FOCIS" around a blue enamel background with a standing deer. Lion's head ear bosses suspend gilt velvet backed chin scales. There is braided gold bullion cord with flounders hanging from hooks on either side at the top. The sweat band is natural color leather with a velvet lining and there is a "HAWKES, MOSELEY & Co." label inside.

Very good, the body shows some mild wear. The gold lace and bullion have darkened with age. The gilt components have a bright appearance. The black patent leather has some cracks and a spot of flaking. The sweat band and lining are replaced.