Sergeant's Shoulder Scales
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| TOP | Bottom |
Side view
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| TOP | Bottom |
Three types of shoulder scales were used during the Civil War. The most common type was used by privates and corporals. The above type was used by sergeants and first sergeants of all branches. It was different from the private and corporal's shoulder scales by being wider: 3-7/8 versus 4-1/2 inches. The sergeant's shoulder scale also is finished of with a bottom piece moulded to the shape of the shoulder, which the other lacked. Noncommissioned officers who were members of the regimental staff, such as the sergeant major, worn shoulder scales that were similar to the above except that they had a patern of rivets on the scales.