Original Items: Only One Available. An epaulet is a type of ornamental shoulder piece or decoration used as insignia of rank by armed forces and other organizations. Flexible metal epaulets (usually made from brass) are referred to as shoulder scales.

In the French and other armies, epaulets are also worn by all ranks of elite or ceremonial units when on parade. It may bear rank or other insignia, and should not be confused with a shoulder mark – also called a shoulder board, rank slide, or slip-on – a flat cloth sleeve worn on the shoulder strap of a uniform (although the two terms are often used interchangeably).

The Epaulettes In This Lot:

This set is for the Imperial German 159th (8th Lotharingian) Infantry Leutnant’s Epaulets: The epaulets are in great condition with lovely patina present on all silver pieces. There are no rank pips present, but both have a number 159 in gold lettering on the faces.

Until World War I, officers of the Imperial German Army generally wore silver epaulettes as a distinguishing feature of their full-dress uniforms. For ranks up to and including captain these were "scale" epaulettes without fringes, for majors and colonels with fine fringes and for generals with a heavy fringe. The base of the epaulette was of regimental colors. For ordinary duty, dress "shoulder-cords" of silver braid intertwined with state colors, were worn.

A wonderful set that comes complete with their original box! It does not get any better than this set here. Comes more than ready for further research and display.