shako

A cheap tinsel sign hanging behind the men, who’ve been absurdly costumed in bow ties and plumed shakos, makes it clear we’re watching an amateur talent show.

At our head marched our fine grenadiers in their brave red coats, their bearskin shakoes.

In black-and-white school photos from the early ’60s, Trump can be seen in boots, sash and a plumed shako, like some Austro-Hungarian infantryman.

The troops, resplendent in dashing new blue-and-white uniforms, with peaked shako helmets and red cockades and armed with sabres, were made up of local Tory businessmen, shopkeepers, lawyers and their sons.

Four soldiers in flamboyant uniforms - black shakos, red feathers, gold brocade - guard the shaman responsible.