23rd Regiment Epaulettes

[BattleRattle]

I picked these up recently and haven't had much luck in dating them (assuming they're genuine). They are well made and the patent mark looks good (there is a very faded maker mark I think, but I can't make it out). My concern was that I've never seen this finish on the underside of epaulettes and they were very clean, though there is some genuine age wear. Any opinions appreciated.

 

[E_just_E]

Pretty sure those are not US Army epaulets. Hard to read but does that wording say "Patent Pending"? If so you are looking at a good 70 years after the civil war. I'd guess fraternal or costume

 

[BattleRattle]

Pretty sure those are not US Army epaulets. Hard to read but does that wording say "Patent Pending"? If so you are looking at a good 70 years after the civil war. I'd guess fraternal or costume

It says "Patent Appl'd For", I thought maybe late Indian Wars as I've had 1880's handcuffs with similar markings- I'll look into the fraternal angle. Thanks!

 

[Frederick14Va]

The US Army did use this basic design style of full dress epaulette in the 1890-1900 (+/-) era. However cant recall one before utilizing the false cord stamped metal facsimile like these. All that Ive seen use real corded Russian knot. Since it emulates what was standard issue but not exact... kinda gives impression they might have been used by a state level local National Guard or local Militia. Resemblance of what the regular army guys were wearing.... Since it bears no rank insignia which at this period of time was habitually placed on both sides of the regimental number, no evidence present to suggest it had any.... It would generally be considered an enlisted full dress issue item. This as a popular style at the time... Both here and amongst assorted Euro forces too.