An Album of U.S. Army Shoulder Straps by Dr. Howard G. Lanham

Rounded End Shoulder Straps of the Civil War Period

One of the odd variations of shoulder strap design during the Civil War were those with rounded ends. Although they are uncommon, they are not altogether rare as both artifacts and in period images. To date it does not appear that they denoted any particular category of officers and were just a design variation for someone who wanted an insignia that was a little different.


Johnson [Rounded Shoulder Strap]
1st Lt. Evan Malbone Johnson, Jr. (1840-1915)
13th N.Y. Militia Co. G 1861 		Unidentified Captain Wearing
Rounded End Shoulder Straps



[Infantry Captain Shoulder Strap]

Rounded End Shoulder Strap for Infantry Captain with bars touching border

[Staff Captain Shoulder Strap]

Rounded End Shoulder Strap for Staff Captain

[Cavalry Shoulder Strap]

Rounded End Shoulder Strap for Cavalry First Lieutenant

[Infantry Shoulder Strap]

Rounded End Shoulder Strap for Infantry Second Lieutenant


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