The Probert Encyclopaedia of Costume

EPAULETTE

An epaulette is an ornamental fringed tab or badge worn on the shoulder as a distinguishing mark of rank. A gold epaulette was worn by British Naval officers in 1759 following the French adoption in 1759. Epaulettes were used on both army and navy uniforms during the 19th century, but were abandoned by the British Army in 1855.
Research Epaulette