Epaulette

Epaulette, a shoulder ornament, consisting of a "scale" and pendant fringe, worn by commissioned officers of the royal navy above the rank of sub-lieutenant, and formerly worn also by officers of the army. The regulations of 1812 gave a pair of epaulettes to officers of higher rank than lieutenant, and to lieutenants a single epaulette, to be worn on the right shoulder; but epaulettes, when worn, are now always worn in pairs. The rank of the wearer is shown by the devices on the top of the epaulette. These are, for Admiral of the Fleet, three small stars, crossed batons, and crown; Admiral, three small stars, crossed sword and baton, and crown; Vice-Admiral, two small stars, and crossed baton and sword; Rear-Admiral, one large star, and crossed baton and sword; Commodore of the First Class, anchor, chain-cable, two small stars, and crown; Captain, if of three years' standing, as Commodore, if of less, only one small star, with anchor, cable, and crown; Commander, anchor, cable, and crown; Lieutenant of eight years' seniority, anchor, cable, and star; Lieutenant of under eight years' seniority, anchor and cable. The epaulettes are of gold. The distinctive device for navigating officers is crossed anchors.