Union Naval Uniform (1 Viewer)

[PolarBear]

I'm looking for a photograph or illustration of a USN Acting Ensign circa 1863-1865. Below is a photograph of the higher ranked Acting Master. What would be the differences between this uniform and that of an Acting Ensign? Shoulder bars, markings on cuffs? Secondly is anyone familiar with the Blue Jackets book by Ron Field? If so what do you think of it?
Thanks,
Randy

 

[Dragoon]

Randy, The shoulder straps for a Master would have a silver foul anchor in the center and a gold bar on each end. An Ensign's shoulder straps would have only the silver fouled anchor in the center. Both Master & Ensign's shoulder straps were navy blue w/ a quarter inch wide gold embroidered border.
Hope this helps. - Ken

 

[PolarBear]

Randy, The shoulder straps for a Master would have a silver foul anchor in the center and a gold bar on each end. An Ensign's shoulder straps would have only the silver fouled anchor in the center. Both Master & Ensign's shoulder straps were navy blue w/ a quarter inch wide gold embroidered border.
Hope this helps. - Ken

Thanks Ken
That is just what I wanted to know.
So sleeves/cuffs would be the same?

Randy

 

[Dragoon]

The cuff / sleeve ornaments for a Master was two gold quarter inch wide cuff stripes with a gold star above. An ensign would have one gold cuff stripe w/ a gold star above it. - Ken

 

[Dragoon]

William C. Davis' book, Commanders of the Civil War, states on page 144 that the sleeve / cuff stripes took time and effort to change with promotions and were therefore often ignored. The shoulder straps were easier to change and usually could be counted on to depict an officer's current rating. ''Thus there were many officers of all ranks whose cuffs were one or two promotions behind their shoulder straps.'' - Ken

 

[PolarBear]

William C. Davis' book, Commanders of the Civil War, states on page 144 that the sleeve / cuff stripes took time and effort to change with promotions and were therefore often ignored. The shoulder straps were easier to change and usually could be counted on to depict an officer's current rating. ''Thus there were many officers of all ranks whose cuffs were one or two promotions behind their shoulder straps.'' - Ken

Thanks again! Very informative.

Randy