Officers' Grade (Rank) Insignia
Captain's Shoulder Strap
This infantry captain's shoulder strap is a metallic false embroidered strap of a type patented by James S. Smith on June 18, 1861. These were produced in quantity during the war. The light blue color is typical of the fields of many infantry shoulder straps. Others are of a more medium blue color. These straps are sometimes marked on the back.