Left epaulette of a pair epaulettes worn by Admiral Sir Thomas Cochrane (1775-1860), 10th Earl of Dundonald (UNI0285). They feature a crown worked in velvet, metal and silk thread above a crossed sword and baton in base metal over three stars that have been worked in silver thread, purl and spangles. The crescent is a wood core with gold braid and purl twisted around it to create the alternating dull and bright pattern. The underside features a rigid bonnet covered with blue velvet, the strap is lined with leather and has a gilt stamp to indicate which is to be worn on the left and right shoulders. These epaulettes were originally purchased by Cochrane in 1848 when he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the West Indies. They were altered with the addition of the third star when he was promoted to admiral in 1851.