This impressive set of straps have a lot going for them. They show just enough wear and tarnish to indicate they were actually worn and used. They are not only cavalry, which is scarce and, needless to say, very desirable, but retain some nice color and feature yellow velvet centers with bullion embroidered borders in three rows, two narrow, on the edges, and a wide one at center, with single gold embroidered rank bars (each done in two rows) at either end. These are nicely illustrated in the Schuyler, Hartley & Graham 1864 catalog, where they are described as “EXTRA RICH,” which certainly meant “extra pricey” as well.

The condition is very good, with the high points of the bullion showing natural wear to the gilt finish and some oxidation, but not the complete zinc tone of some bullion, with the gilt finish evident on the lower edges of the outer two rows and fairly strong on the inner row and rank bars. The yellow velvet shows some light soiling, but no holes from wear or moths,  and only slight fading or color shift toward the mustard yellow usually seen on cavalry straps due to the dyes. The edges of the dark blue cloth base were trimmed, likely when they were removed from the officer’s coat or jacket, but the straps were certainly the Civil War style open back. A small paper label is still affixed to the gray web on the underside, which shows the thread of the embroidery. This seems have a number in pencil and letter in faded ink. They could be an owner’s initials, but are more likely the original dealer’s price or inventory code.

This is a very good set of Civil War officer’s straps that would add to collection of embroidered insignia or display focused specifically on cavalry. If you have a cavalry officer’s saber, you should think seriously about these shoulder straps.  [sr] [ph:m/L]

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