Crimson red officer's dress sash. From 1852 thru 1871 the US Army Regulations called for all officers to wear a waist sash for dress occasions. In 1872 the sash was dropped for all officers except Generals. Normally the sash was not worn on the fatigue blouse. Sashes were worn by both commissioned and some non-commissioned officers. They have a long history of use as an item of military dress and added an accent of color to the uniform. Non-commissioned officers, according to the U.S. Army Regulations of 1861, were authorized to wear a red worsted-wool sash under their sword belts; commissioned officers were authorized to wear a red silk sash beneath their sword belts.
Donated by Archer Anderson