The body of these epaulettes is a ribbed gold colored material. Around the edges is bright bullion with an inner and outer border of dead bullion. Raised brass clamshell is surrounded by two rows of dead bullion while the border in this area is made up of alternating rows of bright and dead bullion. Anchor buttons are General Service eagle buttons. Tassels are made of thin, twisted bullion. At center of the clamshell is a raised pillow outlined with one row of dead bullion and a row of twisted bullion cord. The top of the pillow has “MS” in silver bullion thread inside a wreath of sequins and bullion thread.

Undersides are lined in the shoulder area with red leather and under the clamshell with fine red cotton. Maker’s label on each epaulette reads “HORSTMAN BROS. & ALLIEN, NEW YORK.” The Horstman Company used this name from 1852-1876. The condition of the epaulettes is good. There is the usual light wear to the leather undersides and tassels but nothing serious. Japanned tin box is very worn on top but is otherwise in good condition with working latch.