Officer Sash side

Colonel Buckshot · April 17, 2009, 03:51:44 PM

I noticed in drawing and pictures of officers before 1851 some of them have sashes tie on the right side opposite the sword or saber. After 1851 all are tied on the left side with the sword or saber. What changed the sides the sash was tied on?

Daniel Nighteyes · April 17, 2009, 06:05:07 PM

Quote from: colonel buckshot on April 17, 2009, 03:51:44 PM
I noticed in drawing and pictures of officers before 1851 some of them have sashes tie on the right side opposite the sword or saber. After 1851 all are tied on the left side with the sword or saber. What changed the sides the sash was tied on?

First and foremost, I don't know the "real" answer. However, as a confirmed Southpaw, I suggest that you consider handedness as a suspect.

Being left-handed, I prefer to tie my sash(es) on the right side. The Righties I know all prefer to tie 'em on the left side.

Dr. Bob · April 17, 2009, 08:01:40 PM

The 1872 Regulation for the Army specifies the left side. It is available on the GAF web site.

Joseph Shelby · April 19, 2009, 04:01:12 PM

Please note that the 1872 regs regarding sashes are for general officers only. There is no provision for other officer to wear the sash after 1872.

Cowtown Scout · April 19, 2009, 09:39:30 PM

According to the Uniform Regulations as shown in "Army Blue" for 1847, 1851 and 1861 the Sash was to wrap around the waist twice and tie behind the left hip. As JS indicated the regulations for 1872 removed the wearing of the sash except to General Officers.

Scout

Dr. Bob · April 19, 2009, 10:24:48 PM

Howdy Scout,

Thanks!! I couldn't locate my 1847 regs last night. Lost in the mess!

Nice not to have to mess with the sash! I'm just a lazy boy at heart!

Colonel Buckshot · April 22, 2009, 09:17:23 PM

Found 1839 regulations online and the sash is tied on the right side but was there a reason it changed maybe the addition of a holster?

Colonel Buckshot · April 22, 2009, 09:19:19 PM

It was a Dragoon thing only all others were left

Sgt Major Barber · April 22, 2009, 11:51:58 PM

Hey all.

Remember the picture of Billy the Kid with his Winchester rifle showing the eject port on the left side? I cannot cite the source but I have read that early pictures were reversed images. I have seen many earlier photographs that show lettering reversed and mounted troops with left firing Sharps Carbine. I know Billy the Kid picture was taken much later than the period you discuss, but maybe the photographer had old equipment.

Look close to the pictures you mention and see if anything else is reversed. Or...maybe it was done by choice?

?
All the Best,
SM Barber