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

This is a pair of the NCO staff scales, which use the full brass crescent with top and bottom, and also use three rows of rivets along the strap portion. These are in very good condition with just one small ding to the center of one crescent one to its border. The other has much of its red underlining of the strap still in place and both have the springs that pass under a standing loop on the shoulder of the frock coat and are secured by small turnbuckle sewn near the collar that passes through the spring and the upper strap.

This is a regulation Civil War uniform item that was required for full dress and preserved some of the old distinctions of rank among enlisted men that had once been conferred by epaulets.   [sr]  [ph:m]

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