In the American military, sashes as badges of rank date back to the Revolutionary War. Early sashes tend to be flat woven. Those with rounded turk’s head knots worked over wooden forms with tassels seem to come in around the Mexican War and are the standard pattern by the 1850s. This example still uses the open weave of the early pattern sashes but has the rounded knots is unusual in retaining is crimson color. Most from the period have shifted in color to a purple or maroon from oxidation, exposure and shifts in the dyes. This shows just slight wear to some of the tassels at their upper ends near the knot, and some small scattered runs or holes, but nothing egregious, and nothing very noticeable unless the sash is pulled taut. A few small stains blend in and one area with some dirt will clean.

This is an impressive piece of officer’s dress that functioned as a badge of rank for a commissioned officer as well. [SR]

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