The body of the epaulettes are made of a gold ribbed material that is clean and free of snags or tears. The body has a border of thick gold twisted bullion that is flanked on both the inside and outside by gold dead bullion. There is a raised brass clamshell that is outlined on the exterior side with a double row of gold dead bullion. The exterior edge of the clamshell area is outlined with two types of bullion material done in an alternating pattern. First there is a section of twisted bullion flanked on each side by a row of bullion wire followed by a wide flat strand of gold tape. This pattern is repeated around the edge. Suspended from the clamshell are coiled gold bullion tassels all of which are in excellent condition.

The rank field begins with a very high domed General Service Eagle button. Next, at the mid-point are silver bullion Captain’s bars done in dark silver bullion outlined with silver dead bullion. The rank on both epaulettes is held in place by small straight pins for easy removal upon promotion. Inside the clamshell is a blue cloth pillow outlined with alternating rows of plain gold twisted bullion with an inner and outer border of gold dead bullion. On the face of the pillow are the number “13” done is a heavy gold bullion thread that has darkened with age.

The underside of the body is lined with a red leather while the underside of the clamshell is lined with a matching red felt. The attachment hooks and bars are of brass. Maker’s mark on brass reads, “HORSTMANN BROTHERS & ALLIEN, NEW YORK”. Both epaulettes are in identical condition as far as cleanliness and wear which is light.

Dallas Cadwallander Irish was born on April 3, 1832 in Lawrence County, PA. He completed his education at Washington and Jefferson College, and afterward conducted successfully a wholesale and retail commission business in Pittsburgh. In 1861 he was appointed by President Lincoln a Captain in the regular Army, and was assigned to Co. “G”, 13^th Regiment, U.S. Infantry, which was commanded by William T. Sherman, with one of its companies being led by Capt. Phillip H. Sheridan. Captain Irish served through the entire war, won distinction, and brevet promotion for, “gallant and meritorious service” at the battle of Arkansas Post and at the siege of Vicksburg. He remained in service on the plains, at Fort Riley and Leavenworth, Kansas, and also in Colorado. He resigned his commission on April 6, 1866 and returned to Pittsburgh. He was active in politics in the Republican Party and with the Prohibitionists. Irish was a member of Sons of the American Revolution, Loyal Legion of the U.S. and The Society of the Cincinnati, which he inherited from his father. He died on November 7, 1899 in Pittsburgh at the age of 69. The book, “The Irish Boys- the Civil War Letters of the Irish Family”, was written about Dallas and his brothers Frank and Nathaniel.

Epaulettes were at one time displayed under a glass dome with a wooden base. The base is included and has a handwritten note taped to the underside which ID’D these to Irish.   [sm]

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