union navy officers civil war uniforms sleeve rank insignia

All other rating badges were to have an eagle facing to the right.

The uniform regulations of specified that the eagle was to face to the left in the rates comprising the Seaman Branch: Boatswain Mate, Turret Captain, Signalman, Gunner's Mate, Fire Controlman, Quartermaster, Mineman and Torpedoman's Mate. The eagle continued to face left on all rating badges. Right arm rates were to signify men of the Seamen Branch left arm rates were to be used by personnel of the Artificer Branch, Engine Room Force, and all other petty officers. The uniform regulations of 25 January 1913 changed the location of rating badges so that ratings badges were no longer worn on the sleeves corresponding to assigned watches.

General Order 431, dated 24 September 1894, changed the eagle's wings to point upward, though the eagle continued to face to the left. The left sleeve was to be used for those on the port watch.

The regulations specified that petty officers of the starboard watch were to wear rating badges on their right sleeves. The eagle faced left with its wings pointed horizontally to the sides. Depending on design and where these badges were worn, thirteen ratings could be identified.Ī petty officer rating badge incorporating an eagle, specialty mark and chevrons with points down was introduced in the uniform regulations of 1886. The uniform regulations of 1 December 1866 introduced a system of rating badges, with eight specialty marks. It was difficult to distinguish between different ratings using this system. Boatswain's Mates, Gunner's Mates, Carpenter's Mates, Masters at Arms, Ship's Stewards and Ship's Cooks wore it on the right sleeve while Quarter Masters, Quarter Gunners, Captains of the Forecastle, Captains of Tops, Captains of the Afterguard, Armorers, Coopers, Ship's Corporals and Captains of the Hold wore it on the left sleeve. It was to be worn half way between the elbow and shoulder on the front of the sleeve. The uniform regulations of 19 February 1841 introduced a sleeve mark for the uniforms of petty officers consisting of an eagle facing left (from the wearer's perspective) with wings pointed down, while perched on a fouled anchor. Related Resources: Ratings (Jobs) of Enlisted Personnel in the U.S.

Union navy officers civil war uniforms sleeve rank insignia