I was shown these epaulettes yesterday. I have a faint memory of something similar but simply cannot place them. Obviously, I think, US, and I'm thinking cavalry. What might you guys know about them?
I am including a link to my blog post on these because the photos are so large... http://shootingwithhobie.blogspot.com/2 ... taria.html
Epaulettes - US
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browerpatch
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I have nothing whatever to support this notion, but something about these says "musician". I'll be interested to find out what they really are.
Frank
Frank
These look like the type of officer epaulettes that were worn through the Federal Period (1794-1812 -- maybe into the 1820's). As I recall, these winged type epaulettes were favored by the mounted arms. Of course, for a militia officer, there may be no absolute rules that apply. Company grade officers wore one epaulette, and field grade officers wore two. So, if there are two of these, it may be for a field grade officer. The only other thing that I remember is that Infantry and Cavalry officers wore silver bullion, while Artillery officers wore gold. All of this comes from my feeble memory. I'm fairly certain of the time period. The rest of the details may be a little off!
Brian is quite right... European made for the American market (probably either in England or France, both of which were big exporters of military fancy goods). They look silvered so they are probably infantry although Dragoons also wore silver lace. However, there weren't many militia Dragoons while there was a lot of infantry. I think the rule was that ensigns wore one epaulet on the left or right shoulder, lieutenants wore one on the opposite shoulder and captains wore 2... I'd date them in the 1820s-30s although they could be earlier.