BACKGROUND: Although military ranks and rank designations can be traced back to the mercenary armies of the 17TH century it wasn’t until the creation of standing armies in the early 18TH century that distinguishing insignia of rank began to be developed. Originally the shoulder straps were functional items designed to secure the saber and ammunition shoulder cross straps and the larger, metal trimmed epaulettes were a throw back to the protective shoulder pieces worn on medieval armor. With the formation of the Imperial Prussian Navy in 1848 Senior NCO’s and Officer ranks adopted a series of rank identifying shoulder insignia for the traditional blue and white uniforms. With the later introduction of the brown tropical uniform and field-grey uniforms for land based personnel the wear of shoulder rank insignia was utilized by all ranks, but only on these specific uniforms.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Slip on shoulder boards with silver Russian braiding with alternating red and black stripes. Mounted to the top center of each board is a beautiful Torpedo Mechanics Insignia. Insignia takes the form of a gilt washed, die-struck anchor and cog, with a black enameled letter "T" mounted to the top. Boards also come completer with their original sew on style "post mount" buttons. The buttons have a Imperial crown with an embossed fouled anchor and a simulated twisted rope outer edge. Backing cloth is in dark blue wool. Superb example of a very hard matched pair of shoulder boards.

GRADE ****                             PRICE $359.00