Saxon Jäger-Regiment zu Fuß Wooden Commemorative Shako Box, Dated 1867

This finely crafted wooden commemorative box takes the form of a Saxon Jäger zu Fuß officer’s shako. Measuring approximately 3 inches tall by 2 inches wide, it was likely produced as a presentation or veterans’ keepsake. The body is carved from hardwood and fitted with silvered brass ornamentation, faithfully replicating the regimental shako’s fittings, including the Saxon frontplate and cockade.

The miniature shako features a cylindrical wooden body with smooth surfaces and integral bands at top and base. The hinged lid opens to reveal a small hollow interior, consistent with use as a presentation container for a memento or snuff rather than a drinking vessel. Its frontplate displays the Königreich Sachsen (Kingdom of Saxony) coat of arms in the form of a sunburst star with a central wreath and the striped Saxon shield. Around the base runs a silvered brass chinscale band, beautifully detailed with overlapping scales. The lid bears a Saxon-style cockade rosette, oval in shape, with a gilded central boss and radiating sunburst border.

The top surface of the lid is carved in Gothic script: “Jäger-Regiment zu Fuß” (Rifle Regiment on Foot). The underside of the lid is engraved: “5. Oct. Plauen. 1867.” marking the date and location of a regimental or veterans’ gathering in Plauen. The brass hinge and fittings are neatly hand-worked, showing excellent period craftsmanship.

The Königlich Sächsisches Jäger-Regiment zu Fuß (Royal Saxon Foot Rifle Regiment) was Saxony’s elite light infantry formation, tracing its lineage to the Napoleonic era. These marksmen were trained for reconnaissance and skirmish duties, prized for their independence and precision. By 1867, Saxony had only recently been drawn into the Prussian-led North German Confederation following the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. The date on this piece likely commemorates a reunion of veterans or a regimental celebration marking the reorganization of Saxony’s proud Jäger tradition under the new Confederation army structure.

Condition: Very Good. The wood exhibits a fine age patina with light surface wear and minor scratches from handling. The silvered fittings show darkened toning in recesses and remain firmly affixed. Hinge operates smoothly and interior is clean. All inscriptions and embossing are crisp and legible. No modern repairs observed.

A rare Saxon regimental presentation piece from the immediate post-1866 era, remarkable for its craftsmanship and precise replication of a Jäger shako. The dated inscription and town name firmly establish provenance and period authenticity. Such objects seldom survive, especially in this condition and with legible regimental identification. Highly desirable for collectors of Saxon militaria, Jäger units, or pre-Imperial German regimental artifacts.