This is a set of Pre Civil War Officers epaulettes worn with the dress uniform. The epaulettes were worn on dress uniforms of the US army from 1832 through 1871. From 1832 through 1851 all officers wore the gold epaulettes, with the exception of Infantry, who wore silver epaulettes. In 1851 the color was changed to gold for the Infantry branch as well. The epaulettes were categorized into three groups; junior grade officers, company grade officers and senior and General officers. The junior grades were 2nd and 1st Lieutenant. The bullion, or "fringe" on these epaulettes was 1/8" in diameter. 2nd Lieutenants did not have any rank insignia, only regimental disks. 1st Lieutenants had one bar and the regimental disk. Company grade officers had bullion of 1/4" diameter and had two bars along with the regimental disk. Senior and General officers wore epaulettes with 1/2" diameter bullion. Majors had no rank insignia, Lieutenant Colonels had one silver oak leaf, Colonels one silver eagle and General officers from one to three stars. Majors through Colonels were authorized to wear regimental disks. General officers and officers working the generals staffs were not authorized to wear the regimental disks. These epaulettes are in good condition. They have the 1/8" diameter bullion but have no rank, and appear to never have had any rank displayed on them. This would indicate they are for the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. There is no outline of a regimental disk evident on either epaulet. The bullion of each epaulet is in good condition with very little fraying. The backing material is made of a white cotton material. There is no makers marks anywhere on either epaulet. One of the epaulets has a button with the Michigan State Seal displayed on it. The same epaulet has about 6 moth holes on the front. The other epaulet is missing the button and hook to attach it to the uniform, has no moth damage and shows quite a bit more soiling than the other. The rim of the epaulettes has a green worsted material covering it. The color of green during the Civil War was used by sharpshooter units. Michigan was known to have raised several company and battalion sized sharpshooter units during the war, in addition to the 1st Regiment Michigan Volunteer Sharpshooters. This will make a nice addition to any Michigan collection out there!

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