First Sergeant - grade variation

[Klaudly]

Often looking at the photographs of the soldiers with the rank of first sergeant, I noticed that they don't sewing the stripes leaving only the diamond. I watched images of soldiers, on both sides use this practice, but mainly Union soldiers. The last picture I saw was this:

At this point, I have a question: Was there a regulation that allowed the soldiers with the rank of 'first sergeant' to omit the stripes? Or it was just a practice used in the field?

 

[AndyHall]

I don't know of any regulation for this, but I've seen it, too.

Company C, 1st Massachusetts Cavalry, possibly William N. Davis.

 

[hendrickms24]

No it was not regulations to omit the strips. If my memory service me correctly regulation states that strips do not have to be worn on fatigue jacket (sack coat) but most volunteer units did because the sack coat was the only uniform coat they had.

You start to see more subdued rank in mid 1863 and later. I wish I could find the order that was issued before the Parade in Washington City ordering NCO to sew on trouser strips and strips. One soldier wrote home saying they used old sack coats for the trouser strips and stated that the stitches were awfully long.