US Militia 102nd Engineer Regiment New York National Guard Shako Helmet Side Buttons Scarce

US Militia 102nd Engineer Regiment New York National Guard Shako Helmet Side Buttons are original components associated with the distinctive headgear worn by members of the 102nd Engineer Regiment, part of the New York National Guard. These buttons were typically mounted on the sides of the shako, a tall military cap popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Constructed from metal, the buttons often feature insignia or emblems related to the specific regiment and are designed for both functional and decorative purposes. The 102nd Engineer Regiment has a long history of service, and such buttons would have been part of the standard dress uniform, reflecting unit identity and state affiliation. Examples like this are considered scarce, given the limited number produced and the attrition of uniform components over time. Collectors and historians value these items for their connection to American militia and National Guard history.