Description:

WORLD WAR I ROYAL NAVY OFFICER'S COCKED HAT AND EPAULETTES
Pair of epaulettes, each approx. 7 1/2" x 5", and a black velvet cocked hat, approx. 17" x 7" x 5". The epaulettes each bear a metal fouled anchor and two stars, although all but one of the stars have come loose, and the insignia appear to be glued onto the epaulettes, which would not be correct for the time period. However, a period gold bullion fouled anchor is present in the chest, although detached from the epaulettes. The edges are trimmed with finely-braided gold filigree. The bottoms are marked: "Made in France", with markings identifying the left and the right epaulette. The hat bears a black cockade beneath a gold ribbon on the right side, with braided gold filigree at the front and back. Also present is a black leather sword hanger with brass furniture, which is mummified and broken in two. The set is housed in a purpose-made metal case, painted a mottled black and red, bearing the maker's plaque: "Joseph Starkey Ld. 45 Conduit St. London", and a serial number: "Regd. No. 408847". There is also a brass plaque for the owner to engrave his name, though here it is blank in this instance. The Starkey firm was only present at this address from 1915-1918, neatly dating these items to World War I. At this time, the Royal Navy was firmly established as the most powerful on earth, and fought a number of heated battles against the German High Seas Fleet, including Jutland, the Falkland Islands, and Heligoland Bight. The epaulettes are tarnished and faded, and the left missing a gold braid (also present), and other braids hanging loose. On the hat, the cockade is torn but present, and the velvet is threadbare throughout. The chest is well worn and scratched. Very good.

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March 18, 2016 10:30 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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