SCARCE SMITH PATENT INFANTRY MAJOR’S STRAPS WITH 1861 PATENT MARKINGS AND TIES

SCARCE SMITH PATENT INFANTRY MAJOR’S STRAPS WITH 1861 PATENT MARKINGS AND TIES

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$1,250.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1299-19

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Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

This is a good set of Smith patent infantry major’s shoulder straps, showing some use, but retaining good color, rubbed but legible red-ink patent markings on the reverse, and lace ties in place. Smith’s innovation was to use hollow brass frames stamped to imitate embroidered bullion for the borders of the straps, which used short pins on the reverse to secure the backing and center panels holding the rank insignia, likewise stamped in metal to imitate embroidered bullion and secured with pins. These were less expensive to produce, faster to make, and more durable than actual bullion embroidery. For a retailer it was easier to suit the rank insignia and branch of service color of the field to the officer and, for the officer made them less susceptible to snagging on things or unraveling, and more robust and easier to maintain, Smith noting that since the frames were brass they could be easily polished back to bright if tarnished or stained.

This pair is in very good condition, showing just a slight ding to the inner border of one strap, but with the light blue wool fields showing no hole or stains, and good color. The single row borders are pleasing, medium aged brass tone, with the oakleaf insignia showing a bit brighter from their muted gilt finish. The borders and the oak leaves are nicely detailed. The borders imitate alternating groups of dead and bright bullion. The dark blue backs show some moth damage. The red patent stencil on both is rubbed, but visible and largely legible, allowing for a moth bite along the top of the first line in one strap and at the end of second line, affecting the year, in the other: “JAS. S. SMITH / PAT. JUNE 18, 1862 / 15 DUTCH ST. N.Y.” The straps also retain their brown ties at either end, indicating the officer secured them on his shoulders through small grommet holes, making them easier to remove if necessary for cleaning, wear of epaulets, etc.

These display very nicely and were clearly purchased and worn by an officer. We note also that the rank is fairly scarce since there was only one Major at a time in the standard infantry regiment. They would make a great addition to a collection of Civil War insignia or to an officer’s display.  [sr][ph:L]

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