Shoulder straps were grade (rank) insignia worn on the ends of the shoulders. This album contains representivate examples of shoulder straps of various periods beginning with the Civil War. Click on the image or caption to see the page.
Pre-Civil War Shoulder Straps
Civil War Shoulder Straps: Field Officers
Civil War Shoulder Straps: Company Officers
Post-Civil War Shoulder Straps: Field Officers
Post-Civil War Shoulder Straps: Company Officers
Post-Civil War Shoulder Straps Period Lithograph
Modern Shoulder Straps
Fake Civil War Shoulder Straps
Shoulder Strap Outfitter MarksThere is a text of the 1861 regulations with linked illustrations and discussions appended to this web site. Within that section are a number of images of shoulder straps. These can be seen by following the below links.