Hat of a flag officer, belonging to Rear-Admiral John Spratt Rainier (circa 1778-1822). Hats are not mentioned in uniform regulations until 1795, but in terms of style they tended to follow the lead of fashionable dress. However, the width of the lace on the hat indicated rank. This hat is bound with 51 mm gold lace in the vellum and check pattern, all of which was regulation for the navy. The button features a fouled anchor with a crown above it, a pattern that was introduced in 1812.