U.S. ARMY, POST CIVIL WAR, CAVALRY, M1866, SHOULDER BOARD, STRAP, CAPTAIN The outer border and Captain insignia are embroidered bullion over a Melton wool base. Bullion displays wonderful patina. Evidence suggest that this was removed from a uniform. The back displays Civil War construction. NOTE: This shoulder board is Cavalry. The Melton wool has faded over time. In the military before the twentieth century, the hierarchy was visually demonstrated through the use of epaulets and shoulder straps. Epaulets, which originated from the French word for shoulder, "epaule", began as cloth straps that were worn on the shoulders to keep shoulder sashes and belts in place. Another story suggests that they were initially designed as shoulder armor. As time went on, epaulets became more elaborate, especially for British and French officers during the Revolutionary War. These officers wore epaulets made of gold or silver, which extended from the collar to the point of the shoulder, with heavy fringes of gold or silver wire. Some people even described them as resembling fancy hair brushes. Due to their high cost, these epaulets were made of gold or silver, sometimes even solid metal, and other times plated. However, sergeants and other enlisted men wore epaulets of cheaper materials, such as cloth or cheaper metals. Army officers started wearing gold or silver epaulets in 1780, during the Revolutionary War until 1872, mainly on their dress uniforms. Army generals wore epaulets until the early twentieth century, while Navy officers continued to wear them until just before World War II for full dress uniforms. Marine officers wore epaulets on their special full dress uniforms until 1922. International Buyers Please Note: We do not ship outside of the United States! No Exceptions. In addition, we will not ship to third party shippers or any other international shipping hubs such as International Shipping (EIS), EIS 110 INTERNATIONALE BLVD, GLENDALE HEIGHTS IL 60139-2080, or ACI Express Shipping. No buying agents such as Intercommerce America. No international buyers, no freight forwarding companies, no gift addresses, no non U.S. citizen buyers, and no non U.S. based forms of payment. If you place a bid, or make a purchase, we will cancel your bid, and or cancel your purchase! If you wish to make a purchase, you will have to find someone located within the United States to make the purchase for you. They would be responsible to send the package to you.