Pair of epaulettes for an Admiral of the Fleet belonging to Sir Geoffrey Phipps Hornby (1825-1895).

The epaulettes are covered with gold lace and feature four silver stars of metal thread work and silver spangles above a pair of silver crossed batons above a crown of metal thread work and red velvet. This pattern of epaulette for an Admiral of the Fleet was introduced into regulations in 1846 and was in use until 1891.

The epaulettes are edged with gold purl and plate twisted around a wooden core. On the end is a small gilt brass flag officers button of the following pattern: outer rope twist border, inner raised border; crown above a fouled anchor above two sprigs of laurel leaves on a lined ground. The epaulettes have 16 large gold outer bullions and 16 small inner gold bullions. The underside of the crescent is lined with padded blue silk and the rigid bonnet is covered in blue silk and edged with gold lace. The rest of the epaulette is lined with black leather and features brass hook and eye and clip system for attaching it to the shoulder of the coat.

The makers name is stamped in gilt on the leather and features: the royal coat of arms above 'G.C. Rout/OUTFITTER/PORTSMOUTH'. There is also an indication on both the brass clip and the leather of the epaulette which is to be worn on the left and which on the right shoulder.

Hornby came from a naval family and entered the navy in March 1837, as a young man in the 1840s he took part in anti-slaving patrols. At the age of 27 he became the youngest captain in the navy. He was promoted to Admiral of the Fleet on 1 May 1888