File talk:Persia-rank-insignias2.png

The rank evolution followed that used by russia in the 19th century but evolved differently. Aparently, officers in the persian army used to wear their own clothes until the russian ambassador (during a period of peace) presented the current persian generals with russian made shoulder boards. I went with the idea that it became generalised to other officer's ranks and evolved to include a crown on those who were initialy left blanks.

Note that unlike most shoulder based insignias, these pinted toward the front instead of away from the head (this was used for some decorative shoulder boards *here* during the last shah's reign).

About the unusual rank insignia for the shahanshah, I have found an image of one of the 19th century shah *here* (kadjar dynasty) wearing gemstone on some sort of shoulder boards. I have also found a text (from the russian military attache to persia) who described these as being attached to a general shoulder board.

--Marc Pasquin 11:56, 23 June 2006 (PDT)

Very nice, Marc. I rather like the ceremonial shoulder board with the gemstones. It really sets them apart from the usual staid, and conservative boards other militaries have. Doobieous 12:11, 23 June 2006 (PDT)