Item No. 9134153

A pair of nonregulation shoulder straps most notable for their ends being rounded rather than rectangular. It’s believed that this rare feature existed in order to prevent accoutrement straps from catching on the corners of regulation shoulder straps. This pair’s dark blue velvet field and silver rank device indicate they were for a staff lieutenant colonel. The 3/16” wide embroidered border features both bright and dead bullion and is edged by an inner and outer jaceron border. The underlay material is not folded under the strap, perhaps because it would crimp. The overall length of each strap is about 3 1/4” long by 1 1/8” wide (3 5/8” by 1 1/2” with the underlay). The velvet in the center of the field has partially rubbed away on both straps. There are a handful of stray loose threads, but their embroidery remains intact and secure. An ultraviolet light was used to look for the presence of modern threads, but none were found. A similar strap appears on page 63 of Straps: The Evolution of United States Army Shoulder Straps by Dr. Howard G. Lanham. In his book Lanham also notes that these straps are among the most unusual of nonregulation straps.