[MILITARIA]. Model 1851 epaulettes and original case identified to Captain John C.E. Hinrichs, Co. E, 47th New York regiment, New York National Guard.

Cased set of captain's epaulettes housed in tin case with "Capt. J.C.E. Hinrichs" painted onto black finish below the handle. Each epaulette with gilt bullion tape body, triple row of heavy bullion fringe, and gilt brass crescents. Undersides with red silk and red Moroccan leather. Brass fasteners marked "Left" and "Right" respectively. Pair of high relief captain's bars indicating rank along with regimental number "47" on circular blue field. Eagle buttons at edge function as unlocking pins to hold epaulettes in place. Overall wear, especially to underneath red silk and leather, loose embroidery threads, and some pulls on fringe, but overall in good condition. Black tin case retains wire handle, though lock mechanism no longer functioning. Case with wear, scattered scratches to finish, and indentations.

John C.E. Hinrichs (1843-1880), Captain of Co. E, 47th regiment of infantry, date of rank May 26, 1875, as per the 1876 register of military forces listed in the "Annual Report of the Adjutant-General of the State of New York." HDS does not list a John C.E. Hinrichs as serving during the Civil War in any of the New York 47th infantry regiments (3 years, 3 months, or 30 days service). The May 10, 1880, issue of the New York Times indicates that Hinrichs was a 38-year old civil engineer when he was hit and killed by a locomotive in New York City. His funeral services are described as having "a delegation of the officers of the Forty-seventh regiment, the members of Co. E" present.

The Civil War and American Militaria Collection of Bruce B. Hermann