Epaulets

One pair of epaulets which belonged to U.S. Army officer, Henry B. Bristol, of the 5th U.S. Infantry. The epaulets are made of a brass form which has been covered on top with a finely-woven gold-colored cloth. Each epaulet has decorative fine braided wire edging as well as a small brass button on the inside end and a raised brass rim on the outside (shoulder) end. A circular dome-shaped blue embroidered insignia with the number, "5," at the center is sewn near the center of the raised brass rim. A fringe of decorative twisted gold wire hangs beneath the outer edge of the brass rim. The underside of the brass form has been covered with red leather and red satin padding. A long brass slide bar with a removable end clasp is also located along the center of the underside which allows the epaulet to be attached to a uniform. An oval-shaped paper label reads "Horstmann Bros. & Allen, Military Goods, New York."

The epaulets are held in a fitted, oval-shaped storage case made of thin steel. The case has a hinged lid with a metal clasp at the front and a small carrying handle on top. The interior and exterior are painted black (or dark maroon). A small case with cover is included at the bottom interior. Scratched text on the exterior lid reads "Lt. H. B. Bristol, 5th Infantry."