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. Fähnrich and Oberfähnrich, (Junior and Senior Officer Candidates), were further distinguished by unique shoulder cords as opposed to the standard EM/NCO shoulder straps or the Officers ranks shoulder boards. On successful completion of the appropriate training Junior and Senior Officer Candidates utilized specific career cyphers on their shoulder cords.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Narrow, pass through style, senior engine officer candidate’s shoulder cords in bright silver/aluminum Russian braiding with two, stamped rank pips. Assorted pips indicating period rank upgrades. The pass through end of the shoulder cords have a transverse wooden dowel with a navy blue wool covering.