Royal Corps of Transport Band and Drums Shako.
 

Worn between 1974 - 93, made not of pressed felt but with what I think will be a moulded one piece plastic "bucket" covered with soft fabric seamed down the front and around the top.
The black mohair band is "tacked" in place and seamed along the front.
The peak and it's trim are of plastic, the chinstrap is of leather although I'm not sure if the patent finish is genuine or if it's a layer of thin, shiny black plastic glued to the leather. The chinstrap's single pronged buckle is of blackened brass.
The plate is of silver, gilt and enamel finish with the red colouring being anodised or painted metal, the cords are of gold coloured metallic braid and the buttons are gold anodised aluminium.
I don't know if the pom pom is of wool or an artificial material.
All fittings (possibly excluding the pom pom, I havn't tried removing it) have been fitted during the construction of the shako, prior to the lining and sweatband being sewn in.

It would be interesting to see how the construction of these shakos may have changed over the 20 years or so that they were in wear.

Think the pom pom feels like wool
David

I bet Ken will like that Leigh. Looks to be in excellent condition.

I would think it is of natural wool, I'll not try a burn test though.

Just a bit of tarnish and dulling to the plate and cords, there's a three digit number inked on the sweatband but there's no wear or soiling to indicate use.

I like it, its distinctive although it's of modern construction, very light and flimsier than a forage cap and it does remind of Lego soldier figures.
To me it's one of those items of headgear that display well but like the RTR officer's dress beret, I wouldn't want to have to wear one.

From memory I think Ken has one l acquired mine 15 years+ from a car boot sale near mint condition -stored in a large box covered in bubble wrap
David

Is it of the same sort of construction?
I'm assuming, perhaps erroneously, that shakos made in the 1970's would be sturdier than this one?
This one just seems very "modern".

Leigh sorry unable to help re 1970's construction mine obtained between 2000-2005
David

Ta, I just wondered how they may have changed over the couple of decades they were in use.

Hiya guys,
A bit late to the mark here, but the RCT Bandmans Shako hat hasn,'t changed since it was produced.
They range in price from £80 upwards, with some selling in excess of £180 in a clean & complete condition.
I have 2 complete Shakos and 1 Shako badge in my collection.

The Shako hat is made of navy blue felt on board, with the peak made with a plastic linoleum finish.
Edgings made from an old design with RCT OR's hat buttons securing the gold braid loop design.
The badge is silver paint on chrome
The backing plates are of red enamel paint on a brass plate.
The chin strap in of plastic design and the pom pom is white wool dyed in part red.

Most shako badges i have seen go for £35+ but average £50-80.

Cheers guys

And once again, so sorry for the delay.

Ken (The Fatboy)

Ta for that info.