Antique Artillery Officer's Epaulettes. Epoch of Alfonso XIII. Circa 1900

Pair of military epaulettes for artillery officer, quite ancient and in very good condition. These original accessories date from the reign of king Alphonse 13th of Spain (1886-1931) and are amazing collectors pieces, a hundred per cent original and quite well preserved. The epaulettes are made of golden brass on a red felt base, adorned with silvery metal and brass details. At the back they mount a brass strip with a button designed to attach the epaulettes to the uniforms shoulder. All the component parts that make up the epaulettes are original from the period. As stated before, the epaulettes belonged to an artillery officer from the army of the Spanish king Alphonse 13th. The reign of this monarch, also known as The African, lasted from his birth in 1886 to the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic in 1931. Epaulettes are a type of ornamental shoulder piece or decoration used as insignia of rank by armed forces and other organizations. In several European armies, epaulettes are also worn by all ranks of elite or ceremonial units when on parade. The placement of the epaulette, its color and the length and diameter of its bullion fringe are used to signify the wearer's rank. The ones that we can see in the photographs stand out for its lovely shiny brass and the fine metal details that adorn them. Each epaulette bears two silvery metal details: the royal crown and a fine filigree motive composed of intertwined bars, volutes and swords. They also show an engraved circular mark containing two crossed canyons, a crown and a pile of canyon bullets. This symbol identifies the artillery corps. At the top ends, the epaulettes are embellished with embossed brass motives depicting branches with leaves and fruits. Both pieces are quite remarkable for this symbolic decoration, delicate and sober. Perfect to complete a good collection of military antiques, these epaulettes will shine in a showcase containing singular and historic pieces. Measurements: Width: 4.3 in / 11 cm. Height: 5.1 in / 13 cm.