UNION OFFICER EMBROIDERED SHOULDER STRAPS 7827/7810
(a) Insignia - No insignia for a Second Lieutenant. Standard issue shoulder straps for Cavalry officers are yellow velvet field with trims in gold braid.
(b) Insignia - A silver eagle for a Colonel. Standard issue shoulder straps for Cavalry officers are yellow velvet field with trims in gold braid.
These officer shoulder straps feature gold bullion thread embroidery on colored velvet field and are made with excellent quality. Appropriate for Union Officer field duties uniforms, these insignia must be hand sewn to the coat. Note: Some reenactors choose the option of using velcro to adhere the insignia to their uniforms. Thus one can quickly and easily change ranks and insignia and not ruin the field coat.
Rank was displayed on epaulettes (dress occasions) or shoulder straps(field duties): no insignia for a second lieutenant, one gold bar for a first lieutenant, two gold bars for a captain, a gold oak leaf for a major, a silver oak leaf for a lieutenant colonel, a silver eagle for a colonel and one, two or three silver stars for a general, depending on his seniority.
The color of the shoulder strap fields with trims in gold braid were as follows: Sky blue infantry, Yellow cavalry, Scarlet Red artillery.
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| During the war, enforcement of uniform regulations was imperfect. Uniforms were adapted to local conditions, the commander's preference, and what was available. For example, shoulder straps, (nicknamed sardine boxes by the men) began replacing epaulets in dress occasions. As a result, almost any variation of the official uniform could be found as officers and men abandoned some items, adopted others and modified still others. Many officers personalized their uniforms. For instance, the "Jeff Davis" hat would be pinned back with eagle badges. Many cavalry officers were adorned with eagles and belts with eagle motifs. The designs were based on the Great Seal of the United States. |
