Royal Naval uniform: pattern 1827-43, c.1827 (textile)

Pair of epaulettes worn by Commander Henry Bolton. The pattern is that which was worn by a Commander from 1827-43. In keeping with style of the mid-nineteenth century, the epaulettes are extremely stiff and heavy and are made of a wide band of gold lace backed by card over sheet metal. The strap is edged with a band of alternating dull and bright twisted gold purl with and outer border of twisted gold. The crescent is of alternating dull and bright twisted purl with 20 large outer bullions and 19 small inner ones. These are fastened over a very stiff bonnet, the outer side of which has been covered with glazed yellow fabric. It should be noted that the epaulette features a binder and button, which in the early 19th century (until 1825), where used to secure them to the shoulder, however, this is now done with tying tapes with metal aiguillettes. The button is a small gilt brass button of the following pattern: indented outer edge of rope twist pattern encircling narrow raised flat border encircling foul anchor below a crown on a lined ground. The binder is of gold lace edged and backed with navy blue wool. Underside: The underside of the epaulette is of blue velvet backed with card. There are two blue tying tapes, one just underneath the button the other below the binder (which instead of gold lace all the away around, features yellow silk weave on the underside of the epaulette.) The area within the crescent is padded and surrounded by the stiffened bonnet.