where they are called ("Hungarian knots"). United States usage During the American Civil War, Confederate officers often wore gold Austrian knots on their uniforms. More elaborate braiding indicated higher rank. This type of insignia was worn by officers of the US Army on the sleeves of the blue full-dress uniforms authorised until 1917. It is a feature of the blue mess-dress uniform adopted as optional wear for officers in 1937 and still worn for formal social or evening functions. See also Frog (fastening) – decorative fastener which originated from China and was adopted in the military clothing of Western countries. References Decorative knots