These straps were worn by a first lieutenant serving in staff position at a regimental or higher level, which should not be construed as merely a desk job. The regimental staff included not only a quartermaster, but also an adjutant who had a place in the battle line, both ranking as first lieutenants, as did the assistant surgeons, who might well not bother adding an “MS” to their straps, and could expect to be occasionally under fire as well. Even at brigade or higher levels aides and other staff officers would accompany generals under fire on the battlefield, carrying orders, rallying troops, and often paying a heavy price.

These are in very good condition, with strong color to the black fields and the jaceron wire. The bullion embroidered borders and rank bars show oxidation to muted silver with some hints of gilt, but clearly show alternating dead and bright bullion on both the borders and rank bars, and do not show any separated strands or loose jaceron wire. The backs are the typical open style resulting from simply turning under the edges of the base fabric in sewing them to the coat, leaving visible much of the thread used in the embroidery and its web underlayer, which shows as white, with a few small holes that do not extend to the fabric above.

Embroidered bullion insignia, and their false-embroidered cousins, offer a good deal of variety and color in a display, a nice addition to their historical significance.  [sr] [ph:m/L]

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