Shako
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shako
Although the nineteenth century shako was impressive in appearance and added to the height of the wearer, it was also heavy and clumsy in the field and provided little protection against enemy action or the weather. Most models were made of cloth or felt, over a leather body and peak. During the period of general peace that followed the Napoleonic Wars, the shako in European armies became a showy and impractical headdress that was best suited for the parade ground.
“It’s a feather in your cap with General Peckem, but a black eye for you with General Schiesskopf,” Colonel Korn informed him with a mischievous look of innocence.
“Well, which one am I supposed to please?”
“Both.”
“How can I please them both? They hate each other. How am I ever going to get a feather in my cap from General Scheisskopf without getting a black eye from General Peckem?”
“March.”
“Yeah, march. That’s the only way to please him. March. March.” **
What can let you show off the feathers in your cap while you march?
**Joseph Heller, Catch-22.
