Nice looking shoulder board, has a few dings in the brass, but overall, it's good. Initials on the button...as shown. Thanks for your help! PS...I only have this one.
Help Identify This Outstanding Epaulet
Started by
HRHarris
, Jan 06 2016 10:45 AM
11 replies to this topic
#2
KurtA
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Posted 06 January 2016 - 10:50 AM
Topographical Engineers. Mid 19th Century. A really RARE item.
#3
HRHarris
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Posted 06 January 2016 - 10:56 AM
Thank you so much!
#4
KurtA
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Posted 06 January 2016 - 01:55 PM
After getting home today, I checked some reference books on this. Technically speaking, this is an officer's epaulette for The US Corps of Topographical Engineers. Apparently, those 3 bars indicate rank, but I couldn't confirm that. Not too much info available, since this item is pre Civil War and TE items are seldom encountered. Just the buttons are tough to find. Based on the limited info I was able to find, I believe it's an epaulette for the style of uniform introduced in 1839. That would make it Mexican War era. My reference states this style epaulette was primarily for dragoon officers, but it was known to have been used by TE officers.
Some other members here are far more well versed in this category than I am. Hopefully one of them can confirm what I wrote/add additional info.
A really special piece of insignia you have there. Thanks for posting it!
#5
nbolinger
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Posted 06 January 2016 - 02:32 PM
great item.
#6
ludwigh1980
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Posted 06 January 2016 - 03:02 PM
Wow, Topographical Engineers: the Mappers of the West. Quite a historical piece.
#7
dag
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Posted 06 January 2016 - 03:39 PM
Awesome item!! Just the button by itself is extremely rare and worth several hundred dollars!
#8
HRHarris
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Posted 07 January 2016 - 01:31 PM
Thank you All! I am doing some research with the info provided. Great history.
#9
Military Engineer
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Posted 09 January 2016 - 02:55 PM
The Corps of Topographical Engineers exhisted from 1838 to 1863; when they were absorbed back into the COE. There were only 36 positions in the Topogs. You can learn alot about the Topogs at http://www.topogs.org/
#10
Squeaker
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Posted 09 January 2016 - 03:47 PM
That is a great artifact.
#11
Squeaker
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Posted 09 January 2016 - 03:47 PM
How rare are those buttons?
Edited by Squeaker, 09 January 2016 - 03:48 PM.
#12
Gldank
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Posted 13 June 2017 - 11:37 AM
Very nice and in great condition too. James
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