Original Spanish-American War Era U.S. Army Color Sergeant Khaki Chevron-Circa 1898-1901

Original late-19th / very early-20th century U.S. Army Color Sergeant sleeve chevron, dating to the Spanish-American War period.

This is the large early-pattern insignia consisting of three downward-pointing chevrons on a khaki/tan twill backing with a separately applied circular device positioned in the angle. The center device is the distinctive sphere used to denote a Color Sergeant under the pre-1901 U.S. Army rank system.

The insignia measures approximately 10½–11 inches across, considerably larger than the familiar later U.S. Army rank patches and typical of the oversized sleeve insignia used during this period.

The khaki construction is particularly desirable and is consistent with the Army’s tropical/service uniforms of the Spanish-American War and Philippine-American War era. The surviving red coloration around the central sphere may indicate an Artillery association, although the exact branch attribution is not guaranteed and the piece is being offered primarily as a period U.S. Army Color Sergeant insignia.

Construction consists of khaki/tan twill with narrow dark sewn chevron lines and a separately sewn central roundel. The reverse shows the original stitching and unfinished period construction.

Condition is good considering the approximately 125-year age of the piece. It shows honest service/storage wear, age toning, staining, edge fraying, loose threads, and wear/loss to the central device. The overall shape remains strong and the important design features are clearly visible. Please review all photographs carefully for exact condition.

A scarce and visually impressive piece of Spanish-American War-era U.S. Army insignia, and a much less commonly encountered rank than standard enlisted chevrons.