NCO Shoulder Scales

Description

Brass articulated (multi-piece) construction enlisted shoulder scales. Reproduction of originals worn on the shoulders of the dress uniform. Attachment sets sold separately. Made in U.S.A.

Shoulder scales were originally designed to be a form of body armor. The idea was that if a soldier wearing these was struck down by a swordsman, the blow would be diminished by the protecting scales. However, by the American Civil War these scales were worn by Enlisted and NCOs as part of their dress uniform and not for protection.