US Navy Shoulder Straps evolution (1841 - 1913)

[Dorward_Bis]

I've decided it would be reasonable to make a combined table to demonstrate the chronological evolution of US Navy shoulder straps since 1841 (when they appeared first time as rank insignias in the Regulations) and till 1913, when they were officially abolished. Just click on the image to enlarge.


And I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Steven Bingaman for his invaluable consulting aid during the work upon this chart. Thanks a lot, Steve))

[ChrisWI]

Awesome job! I am impressed.

[J.T. Broderick]

Very nice, Dmitry! Good work.

If I may add a couple of things:

1848-1852 Commanders wore a gold foul anchor (order of Nov. 10 1848):

strap_cdr_1848.png (19.67 KiB) Viewed 6217 times

An order of July 6 1867 added narrow silver cords to the ensign's straps, and graduate midshipmen got the former ensign strap.

Ensign 1867-1869:

strap_ens_1867.png (45.62 KiB) Viewed 6217 times

Graduate Midshipman 1867-1869:

strap_ens_1866.png (11.85 KiB) Viewed 6217 times

I should mention that John Stacey, in his book on USN shoulder straps/boards, is of the opinion that the 1867 ensign insignia was never actually used (though he doesn't cite the correct date of the order). I think it probably was, in the absence of any countermanding order, but there is some question about it.

For the insignia of Admiral, the 1866 and '69 regulations illustrate straps with the crowns of the gold anchors pointing outward. The 1886 regulations show the crowns pointing inward for collar insignia, though whether that also applied to shoulder straps is open to question. It does seem that Admiral Dewey wore inward-pointing anchors on the straps, though (photo here).

Best regards,
Justin

[Dorward_Bis]

Many thanks, Justin, for your information!
Following it I've corrected the chart a bit, so the current version is as follows:



Is this correct now?

Concerning mutual orientation of anchors: you've mentioned that Regulations 1866 and 1869 demonstrated anchors' crowns oriented outward straps, for the Admiral.

Unfortunately I have the textual version of mentioned Regulations only. But does it mean that Captain's anchors should be oriented in the same manner, as Admiral's?

Anyway, I've dared to remain their orientation without any change. But if they were really oriented in opposite directions comparing with what I've made, could you please clarify which ranks and in which period according to the chart should be corrected?

Thanks a lot in advance.
Regards, Dmitry.

[J.T. Broderick]

Is this correct now?

One more thing I forgot: 1862-1866 lieutenants' and masters' bars should be gold.

Concerning mutual orientation of anchors: you've mentioned that Regulations 1866 and 1869 demonstrated anchors' crowns oriented outward straps, for the Admiral.

Unfortunately I have the textual version of mentioned Regulations only. But does it mean that Captain's anchors should be oriented in the same manner, as Admiral's?

Yeah, the Naval History and Heritage website used to have the 1866 illustrations online but they disappeared when they updated their website a couple of months ago. A lot of stuff is just gone or very hard to find now.

Anyway, your illustrations for captain are correct. This is from the 1869 regulations:

Anyway, I've dared to remain their orientation without any change. But if they were really oriented in opposite directions comparing with what I've made, could you please clarify which ranks and in which period according to the chart should be corrected?

I would probably go with "outward" anchors for Admiral from 1866-1897 and "inward" from 1899 on.

Once gain, great work, very nice to see all in one chart.

Best regards,
Justin

[Dorward_Bis]

Roger, Justin)

Gold bars instead of silver - alas, yes, my fault, it was written in the Regulations, but looks like I was just a bit careless. Shame!:)))
So, the new version of a chart:



Regards, Dmitry

[ijnfleetadmiral]

VERY nice indeed! Will you be doing any other charts like this? Just curious, so we'll all have something to look forward to. :)

[Dorward_Bis]

Thanks for such a high appreciation of my modest work))
Yes, I have some ideas concerning "evolutional charts" for other national armies/navies rank insignias.