Uniforms Bullion Sword Knots

[JOHN42768]

Question on usage or time frame for Gold or Silver knots. I believe (???) the Silver Bullion was used prior to the Civil War and was used in Mexican-American War era. U S Army Regulations of 1839 call for Gold cord with acorn end. What I find are gold bullion flat ribbon type with end made of tassels fastened to shape of a large acorn. Leather with tassels was also acceptable for non dress usage. Photos to follow once I receive my purchase. If anyone has definitive answer it would be appreciated.

 

[scooter748driver]

I have this gold sword knot on my Ames Model 1850 Foot Officers sword:

 

[JOHN42768]

I obtained permission to use sellers photos. Construction of both appears to be the same. Anyone with knowledge of Silver Bullion Knots usage please respond. See attached.

 

[Salterr]

I obtained permission to use sellers photos. Construction of both appears to be the same. Anyone with knowledge of Silver Bullion Knots usage please respond. See attached.

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Pre civil war, the army used a bi-metallic coloring system for knots and shoulder boards to identify the branches. Infantry was to be colored in silver and the other branches in gold. Even the colonels eagles were silver or gold at the time which led to confusion. It wasn't until right before the war that the standard of gold coloring was used. Sword knots were like many things of the time privately purchased. There are variations in the knot configuration. Some have free flowing tassels and a Turks head knot like the knots on officer sashes but these flat ribbon ones seem to be most common. Most of them have the bullion tassels sewn around a blue colored knot. It's entirely possible to be a Mexican war sword knot but don't quote me on that. I'm sure they were used post war too until other regulations were issued changing the style of the acorn. Both uniondb and horsesoldier seem to be at odds. One states this style is navy and the other states for infantry.

 

[JOHN42768]

Pre civil war, the army used a bi-metallic coloring system for knots and shoulder boards to identify the branches. Infantry was to be colored in silver and the other branches in gold. Even the colonels eagles were silver or gold at the time which led to confusion. It wasn't until right before the war that the standard of gold coloring was used. Sword knots were like many things of the time privately purchased. There are variations in the knot configuration. Some have free flowing tassels and a Turks head knot like the knots on officer sashes but these flat ribbon ones seem to be most common. Most of them have the bullion tassels sewn around a blue colored knot. It's entirely possible to be a Mexican war sword knot but don't quote me on that. I'm sure they were used post war too until other regulations were issued changing the style of the acorn. Both uniondb and horsesoldier seem to be at odds. One states this style is navy and the other states for infantry.

Thanks for your interest. I checked Horse Soldier & Union Drummer Boy. All the ones they listed were of the Golden version

 

[Salterr]

Thanks for your interest. I checked Horse Soldier & Union Drummer Boy. All the ones they listed were of the Golden version

Dave Taylor had a silver one a while back he said it was Mexican war. https://civilwarantique.com/16-02-02/

 

[Dan Kohli]

The 1861 U.S. regulations says "
SWORD-KNOT.
1551. For General Officers— gold cord with acorn end.
1552. For all other officers— gold lace strap with gold bullion tassel."

 

[JOHN42768]

Dave Taylor had a silver one a while back he said it was Mexican war. https://civilwarantique.com/16-02-02/

Yes, I found those from 2016 earlier today. Thanks

 

[JOHN42768]

The 1861 U.S. regulations says "
SWORD-KNOT.
1551. For General Officers— gold cord with acorn end.
1552. For all other officers— gold lace strap with gold bullion tassel."

So #1552 would apply to the gold strap one as pictured above. Might you know if any mention of Silver in a earlier Regulation? The 1839 Regulation calls for Gold cord with acorn a end as described in #1551 reg. Thanks

 

[bobinwmass]

I'll summarize Massachusetts regulations, which tended to mimic Federal regulations of the time. 1830 uniform regulations indicate sword knots and related trimmings would be either gold or silver conforming to the color of the Epaulettes or Wings of the Corps to which the belong: gold for Cavalry and Artillery, silver for Infantry. 1840 uniform regulations still call for Artillery and Cavalry trimmings to be gilt (gold), and silver for infantry. In 1852 the uniform regulations call for gilt (gold) trim for all branches, no more silver for Infantry.

 

[Dan Kohli]

So #1552 would apply to the gold strap one as pictured above. Might you know if any mention of Silver in a earlier Regulation? The 1839 Regulation calls for Gold cord with acorn a end as described in #1551 reg. Thanks

I will try to check other regulation revisions.

 

[JOHN42768]

I'll summarize Massachusetts regulations, which tended to mimic Federal regulations of the time. 1830 uniform regulations indicate sword knots and related trimmings would be either gold or silver conforming to the color of the Epaulettes or Wings of the Corps to which the belong: gold for Cavalry and Artillery, silver for Infantry. 1840 uniform regulations still call for Artillery and Cavalry trimmings to be gilt (gold), and silver for infantry. In 1852 the uniform regulations call for gilt (gold) trim for all branches, no more silver for Infantry.

Hi Bob, so at least in Massachusetts 1852 was the "cit off" for Silver usage. Thanks

 

[14NYSM]

When I began reenacting as an officer in about 1984, I found that the then-current USN gold bullion sword knot available from a parade supply store was exactly the type for a Civil War officer's sword. I would be very wary of buying a supposed CW bullion sword knot. My 1980's ones look exactly like each of the ones shown above. Shown is my replica M1850 Staff and Field officer's sword with a USN sword knot.