Rare 1920's - 30's US PHS Public Health Service Surgeon Rank Pair of Shoulder Boards

Rare 1920's - 1930's pair of United States Public Health Service (PHS) Surgeon Rank shoulder boards. Originally established for the treatment of ailing mariners, the Public Service was originally a network of marine hospitals that became known as the Marine Hospital Service in 1870. In 1902 an even longer name was adopted (Public Health and Marine Hospital Service), but in 1912 the agency adopted its shorter, modern name (Public Health Service). The shoulder boards each feature three bullion bands/stripes and an intricately embroidered anchor with the caduceus medicine emblem through the center in bullion detail. A brass shoulder button shows the anchor and caduceus emblem, the reverse is a screw post and the underside of the shoulder boards feature a leather strap and disc backing for attachment to the shoulder button and uniform.

Circa 1920's - 1930's

Approximately 5-1/2" x 2-1/4"

Embroidered wool felt, bullion, brass, leather, paper board, silk

Single screw post with disc backing and leather strap

None.

This is from a USN medical and humanities collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. VGEX16 LBGEX4/16

8+ (Excellent): The shoulder boards show minor to moderate age wear and patina, the brass shoulder buttons show minor surface wear, the bullion details remain fully intact, overall excellent condition.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.