Original Set of Civil War 2nd Lieutenant Infantry Shoulder Boards

This is a beautiful matching pair of original Infantry 2nd Lieutenant's Civil War officer shoulder boards. These are for the rank of 2nd Lieutenant because being void of any bars within the bullion border. To indicate the infantry branch of service, there is the light blue color. This version with the single border is the typical Civil War design and size.

Civil War officers were not issued uniforms or equipment like the enlistedman would receive. He had to pay out of his own pocket for his uniform, sword, kepi, accoutrements, etc. There were many dealers who had establishments and put out catalogs of their wares, such as Horstmann. Officers were not as regulated as enlistedmen with what they wore and their adornments and insignia. This was left up to the officer as to how much he was willing to spend and his particular taste (see variety in "Commanders of the Civil War").

The boards are in fine, complete condition with the normal wear from use during the war, not an unused pair from surplus stock. The blue color is beautiful and has very little fading. Each board measures 4 inches by 1 1/2 inches in overall size. They will make a nice addition to your Civil War infantry display. They come in the glass top display case pictured.