The hat was ridiculed in the press when it was unveiled on 21 September 1843. The Duke of Wellington, who was then Commander-in-Chief of the British Army, made alterations to the hat. His version, which became known as the Albert shako, had a brim only at the front and rear. It entered into service the following year replacing the bell-top shako of the line infantry, light dragoons and Corps of Royal Sappers and Miners. The shako was also worn by fusilier regiments and grenadier companies, who had previously worn a bearskin hat. The Albert shako was regarded as heavy and uncomfortable and was often replaced by a forage cap on active service. It was replaced in 1855 by the French pattern shako.
