another question

[Quick Fire]

Could a noncom cavalryman in the mid 70's worn a pair of officers spurs? Thanks

Quick Fire

[Niederlander]

While others are far more knowledgeable here, I would say "Why not?!"  Especially since it would have mostly been in the field.

[S. Quentin Quale, Esq.]

My guess would be "maybe."   

It would depend on the regimental commander and the company commander and the views of the first sergeant.

G.

[St. George]

No.

There was a definite distinction between the Ranks, and such a thing would have been viewed as a breach in discipline and over-stepping - a form of 'silent insolence', and contrary to the Customs of the Service.

Furthermore, the Sergeant would well be aware of that fact, because of the length of time it took to make that rank, and the precariousness of his position in holding it, he'd be very familiar with those Customs.

Perhaps not what you wanted to hear, but these things kept the Army and sister Services working efficiently - giving order and rules to abide by that gave them strength.

Scouts Out!

[Quick Fire]

St. George, that's why I asked. I wanted a truthful and knowledgeable answer. I haven't purchase any military spurs yet and I wanted to know before I did. Thank you.

Quick Fire

[Blair]

I agree with St. George.

Items such as spurs were issued to Enlisted personnel as were needed per branch of service. The spurs remained Government/Military property and would be expected to be maintained by the soldier during their service, then turned in when one left the service. If lost during service, the Enlisted person would have the cost deducted from any pay they may have coming to them. This included major items such as firearms down to minor items such as hat brass.

Commissioned Officers were expected to purchase their own kit.
My best,
Blair

[Drydock]

To repeat: No.  Enlisted were issued spurs, and were expected to maintain and wear them when required.  As has been said, officers purchased their own.  Officers could in fact purchase enlisted spurs, and often did for field use.  But never the other way around.

[Quick Fire]

Thanks guys for your replies. I'm new to this military stuff and you all are helping me figure it out.

Quick Fire

[Blair]

Drydock,

Again, I very much agree.
Officers could indeed buy/purchase enlisted mans gear through the QM Dept. for campaign/fatigue duties. But not the other way around. Enlisted personnel simply didn't have the income to be able to do such a thing. They had to depend on what the Military supplied them with.
My best,
Blair

[S. Quentin Quale, Esq.]

No.

There was a definite distinction between the Ranks, and such a thing would have been viewed as a breach in discipline and over-stepping - a form of 'silent insolence', and contrary to the Customs of the Service.

Furthermore, the Sergeant would well be aware of that fact, because of the length of time it took to make that rank, and the precariousness of his position in holding it, he'd be very familiar with those Customs.

Perhaps not what you wanted to hear, but these things kept the Army and sister Services working efficiently - giving order and rules to abide by that gave them strength.

Scouts Out!

I understand and generally agree with the above.

A question:  I've read that after the ACW many enlisted men who had been breveted to officer rank during the War were reverted to enlisted rank.  If a person remained in the Army under these circumstances would your answer change on this question?

With your knowledge of the era, can you envision any other circumstance where the answer might change?

SQQ

[Drydock]

One thing lost in our era is the deep concept of "honor" in that no man who considered himself a gentleman would use previous circumstance to appear above his present station.  Or to place those about him in an uncomfortable situation by demanding recognition no longer accorded by station.  He could receive it, (medals, mentions in dispatch's, etc) but not demand it.  So no, a man who considered himself a gentleman would not wear such accoutrements. 

Spurs in particular, as they have a deep connection to rank rooted in medieval chivalry.  Something the Victorian era was far more cognizant of than we are today.

[St. George]

No.

Any serving soldier who'd once held a Brevet but had reverted to his previous enlisted rank would have known the rules, and would have abided by them, or he would not have sought further service.

In most cases, the Brevet ranks went to Volunteer units and not to the Regulars - that's where Custer advanced when he commanded the Michigan Wolverines, only to revert back to his Regular Army rank of Captain after the Civil War.

No - my answer is the same, because the reality of the times demanded a certain level of Honor from those who served, and they lived up to it, just like they were expected to.

If they couldn't live up to those demands, and wanted extra attention, then they left the harsh world of the Service and its Customs and became civilians.

Scouts Out!

[S. Quentin Quale, Esq.]

Thank you for the answer, Sir!

SQQ