Epaulets and shoulder knots in storage box

1870-1900

Place madeUnited States, North America

Metal, textile, paint

Each (epaulet): 5 x 7 3/4 x 5 1/4 in. (12.7 x 19.7 x 13.3 cm)
Each (shoulder knot): 7 x 4 x 1 1/2 in. (17.8 x 10.2 x 3.8 cm)
Container (box): 6 × 10 1/4 × 7 1/4 in. (15.2 × 26 × 18.4 cm)

Gift of Charles King

1948.76a-f

According to the accession records, these items once belonged to Lieutenant Colonel David Downing of the 9th Regiment, National Guard New York.

DescriptionOne pair of epaulets and one pair of shoulder knots in black painted metal storage box; epaulets with rigid strap covered in gold metallic textile, with domed insignia disk with "9" embroidered on red textile ground inside silver embroidered border centered inside crescent, and gilded metal button embossed with a lyre; fine gold bullion fringe measuring approximately 3 3/4 inches in length and 1/16 inch in diameter; padded black felt lining and brass strap fastener; shoulder knots with red wool pad with silver embroidered "9/V" (interlaced), and three rows of gold braid surrounding; strap with interlaced gold braid and gilded metal button embossed with New York State shield and an eagle inside a border of stars; brass strap fastener; oval storage box with hinged lid with flat top and wire handle, and oval interior compartment, also with hinged lid (now detached), at center of base.

Markingsembroidered: on shoulder knots: "9/V" embroidered: on insignia disk on epaulets: "9"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: UNIFORM