Introduced in 1851 for mounted troops, brass shoulder scales were decorative, but were also meant to be a shoulder defense against saber cuts. In 1854/55 they became regulation for all branches of service and were supplied in three configurations: for privates, for sergeants, and for members of the non-commissioned staff: the regimental sergeant-major, etc.

This is a pair of sergeant’s scales, with the brass half-crescents top and bottom (enlisted had only the upper piece) and separate, plain, scales along the shoulder strap portion (non-commissioned staff had raised rivets along the top edges.) The brass spring straps attached to the underside remain in place.

One has the black oil cloth backing on the underside. These are in very good condition, with a mellow patina to the brass.  [jet]  [ph:L]

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