star of twisted cord superimposed upon a larger star 

 of closelv stitched cord that in turn is superimposed 

 upon a still larger star of sunburst t>pe. 



COAT-SKIRT ORNAMENT, GENERAL STAFF, 1832 



USNM 6m7-M (S-K 181). Figure 76. 



Like the preceding specimen, this ornament, on 

 buff cloth, is comprised of three stars. A star made 

 of lines of sequins secured by two strands of twisted 



Figure 76 



bullion is superimposed upon a 6-poinled star of 

 gold embroidery that in turn is superimposed upon 

 a 6-pointed star made up of gold sequins secured by 

 gold bullion cord. 



COAT-SKIRT ORNAMENT, ARTILLERY OFFICER, 1832 



USNM 15929. Figure 77. 



This specimen, on red cloth, is on a coat worn by 

 William Tecumseh Sherman when he was a lieutenant 

 in the 3d Artillery. The bomb is made of whorls of 

 gold bullion cord, while the flames are composed of 



cur\ing lines of twisted bullion. The lowest flame 

 on either side terminates in arrow heads. 



There are a number of gold-embroidered shell 

 and flame devices in the national collections, all 

 varying consideraiily in size and composition. Some 



Fioi'Ri-, 77 



are skirt ornaments for artillery officers, both Regular 

 Army and Militia, while some are cap ornaments 

 for ordnance officers. Indeed, two coats formerly 

 belonging to Maj. Levi Twiggs, U.S. Marine Corps, 

 carry the same device. 



COAT-SKIRT ORNAMENT, INFANTRY OFFICER, 1832 



USNM59861~M. Figure 7S. 



The siKer coat-skirt horn ornaments of infantry 

 officers varied almost as much as the shell and flame 

 devices, generally in relation to the affluence of the 

 individual concerned. Unlike such ornaments of the 

 other services, the horns were paired in rights and 

 lefts on the coat. 



This specimen, of silver l)ullion cord, is on a coat 

 that once belonged to Lt. William Williams Mather, 

 an 1828 graduate of the Military Academy who left 

 the service in 1836. The horn is looped, and it is 

 suspended by twisted bullion from a simple 3-leaf- 

 clo\er knot. The whole is backed on blue cloth. 



41 



