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.

The last brass scale on each, where it is cut for the turn buckle, has a small crack and the iron straps on the underside are rusty. In all other respects, these are in good condition, with an undisturbed dark patina to the brass.  [jet] [ph:L]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!