Rare French Officer's Shako of the 52nd Line Infantry Regiment, First Empire, model 1812. An exceptional and rare example of a French shako worn by an officer of the 52nd Line Infantry Regiment that participated in the battles of Wagram and Leipzig... This cylindrical leather shako features its original blackened finish and retains the distinctive high shape associated with Napoleonic regulation models. The front bears a superbly detailed gilded brass plate with the imperial eagle, and the number 52 within a laurel wreath escutcheon. Above the plate sits the original tricolor cockade in red, white, and blue. The shako retains its original red wool pompom attached to the top, which was traditionally used to identify different companies within the regiment . Brass chin scales with star-patterned rosettes complete the frontal adornments. The leather visor is decorated with impressed tooling. Inside, the original paper label from the Parisian store which was located at Rue des Lombards 33, is still preserved, a rare and valuable detail ind cating provenance and origin. The interior lining shows signs of age and service but remains largely intact. This type of military headwear was standard issue for French line infantry officers during the Napoleonic Wars and represents an important piece of First Empire military history. The 52nd Line Infantry Regiment participated in numerous campaigns during this period, making this a significant historical artifact for collectors of Napoleonic militaria. Height approx. 27 cm. Excellent condition for its age.