NCO Shoulder Scales / SOLD

Union Civil War soldiers went to the front decorated with brass scales on their shoulders as part of their dress uniforms. They were intended to ward off the blows of sabers by cavalrymen. It is doubtful they ever served such a purpose, and they were frequently discarded by soldiers as an impediment. This pair bears a series of raised ornamental rivets which denote them as the non-commissioned officer variant. They are in good condition with some verdigris on one scale, and one scale still retains its oilcloth backing. An attractive pair. 

Inventory Number: INS 288 / SOLD