Here is a very handsome pair of Civil War, Smith’s Patent private purchase, regulation Federal Army officer shoulder straps sometimes referred to as shoulder boards. Straps are in extra fine condition with no makers stamp and bear no grade device on the light blue fields indicative of a second lieutenant of infantry.  Straps measure 4 ½” long x 1 ½” wide and are convex. Both strap fields are in great original condition and made of light blue felt with no mothing or nips. The center of each field does show two small perforations, possibly from a rank device now missing.

Surrounding each field is the rich and pleasing, Smith’s Patent, 3/8” wide, faux-embroidered brass metal border.  Borders are well preserved and show no dents, breaks or oxidation.  No grade device insignia is present upon the fields. When viewed from the back, each strap bottom has an indigo blue or black underlayment folded over and sewn directly to the backing material.  Backing is tight and strong but one strap does show the backing partially pulling away from the border. Missing from the underside of both straps is the long attaching cloth ties that were sewn directly onto the officer’s uniform coat.  This pair of Civil War company-grade shoulder straps is in great condition and would highlight any Civil War insignia or rank collection.