Shako, 1812 pattern, worn by Captain James Pedder, Amounderness Local Militia (Lancashire), 1813 (c)

Black beaver shako with black patented leather peak, with brass shako plate.

This shako was worn with a green upright feather plume. Local Militia units were raised following an Act of 1808 and were designed to create a trained body of men, who could be used for local defence, but who could also be encouraged to transfer to the regular Army in return for a financial incentive, or bounty. The scheme was very successful and helped solve the manpower shortage during the Napoleonic Wars. The Local Militia were all disbanded in 1814.