Enlistedman's Shoulder Scales

Enlistedman's Shoulder Scales - Complete pair of shoulder scales with mounting implements.  Light artillery, cavalry troops, and some NCO's, musicians and privates of infantry units went to the front decorated with brass scales on their shoulders.  Such heavy artillery regiments as the 1st Marine Heavy Artillery, which joined Grant as infantry in the 1864 campaigns, wore shoulder scales to ward of the blows of sabers by cavalrymen.  It is doubtful if they ever served such a purpose. 

Inventory Number: INS 088