In 1877, two classes of Assistant Engineer were merged. Their new uniform did not feature and epaulette and there was little to distinguish their uniform from other, similar naval ranks. It was suggested that a narrow braid of gold braid be added between the two stripes of gold lace on their uniform sleeves. This suggestion was approved and extended to other ranks that included Lieutenants of eight years seniority as well as Paymasters of eight years seniority, Chief Engineers of less than ten years seniority, Naval Instructors of eight years seniority, and Secretaries to the following officers: Junior Flag Officers, Commodores of the First Class and Captains of the Fleet.

This coat is a full dress coat for the rank of Lieutenant over eight years, the additional braid to the distinction lace is clearly visible on his cuffs. At some point, the coat was altered as there is evidence that the seams have been re-sewn, the tails shortened and the coat itself completely re-lined.

The coat fastens with two rows of ten domed gilt brass buttons. The stand up collar is of leather faced with white wool and edged with gold lace. It is lined with black sateen and there is a brass hook and eye closure at the neck. The epaulette clips and eyes have been removed from the shoulders. The sleeves are gathered at the shoulder. They feature a mariner’s cuff, the slash is faced with white wool and edges with gold lace and has three small domed gilt brass buttons. The distinction lace features a band of gold lace with curl above a narrow band of gold braid above a band of gold lace.

The bodice of the coat is lined with brown sateen and is padded and quilted in the chest and under the arms. The sleeves are also lined in brown sateen. There is an interior breast pocket of chamois that has been very clumsily added. The linen has been completely replaced from the original silk, as there are traces of the original silk lining stitched into the shoulders. There is a heavy brass and eye fastening in the waistband of the coat. The tails are lined with cream wool.