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PATTERN 1872 OFFICERS GOLD BULLION AIGUILLETTES –
A VERY RARE SET IN EXCELLENT CONDITION: From
the French aiguille, or “needle”, Aiguillettes
date from at least the 15TH Century. These
braided cords intended to be worn on one shoulder of the
uniform and often rendered in gold or silver bullion,
are believed to originate in history from the lacing
which was used to secure the plates of armor together on
medieval soldiers and knights. In modern usage in this
form since at least the 15TH Century, the
aiguillettes became strictly ornamental, featured
decorative metal tips, and were worn to denote a special
office or honor.
The U.S. Army has worn aiguillettes since at least the
early 1800’s. For example, by the 1830’s aiguillettes
were being worn to designate an assignment to regimental
or higher staff duties, and at the time of the Civil
War, they had been incorporated into the army Band Drum
Majors’ uniforms.
The Pattern 1872 Aiguillettes were
ordered by the army for wear with the dress uniform coat
by officers serving in specific assignments. As
described in the Regulations for the Uniform and
Dress of the Army of the United States, of 1872:
“SHOULDER KNOTS - For officers of the Adjutant General’s
and Inspector General’s Departments, and for
Aides-de-Camp to General Officers - …an aiguillette of
gold cord to be worn with the right shoulder-knot and
permanently attached thereto, according to the pattern.”
The regulations continued, “Aides-de-Camp and the
Military Secretary, who have increased rank, will wear
the aiguillette with the uniform of the General Staff.
Aides-de-Camp to Major and Brigadier Generals will wear
the aiguillette with the uniform of their Regiments or
Corps.”
Given the fairly small number of officers who were
authorized to wear the gold bullion aiguillettes,
production of these cord sets must have been relatively
limited during the Indian Wars era, hence surviving
examples are rare. That this aiguillette has survived
at all is notable and it is indeed, a special offering.
The cords are in excellent condition and both tips are
present. They were worn by an officer, no doubt, but
very gently, and they were not abused either in use or
later in storage. They are full length as they were
worn by the officer. It stands to reason that they were
made up in one length by the uniform manufacturers and
then at the time of purchase, the dealer would size the
cords to match the stature of the officer. Where the
two raw ends of the cords on this set are joined, they
are wired together with a small wire loop which served
as the point of attachment to the shoulder knot. Both of
the gilt tips are present and in full form.
Like so much of the officer uniforming and insignia, as
it was privately owned by the officer and not part of
the government owned inventory, these Pattern 1872
Aiguillettes did not filter into the collectors’ market
via the avenues of the normal surplus sales, but rather
were held in family estates until such time as they
decided to part with them. I honestly cannot recall the
last time I saw a set of these cords offered for sale.
This set surfaced in a very old, comprehensive
collection and as the opportunity presented, I bought
them without hesitation. You’ll look long and hard
before you find another set, much less one of this
quality. (0202) $1150
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