Military Rank Badge

Rank badges were worn on surcoats to identify an individual’s governmental standing. The badges were made in two halves so they could be placed on either side of a font-opening coat, or whole if they were going to be put on the back of the coat. Wives and children wore the rank badge of their father or husband, only facing the opposite direction so when standing next to the husband the birds or animals would be facing each other. Different animals represented different ranks, and the way the animal was position often indicates if the badge was made for a man or woman.

This rank badge is of a lion, signifying the second military rank. A red and green lion is embroidered in mostly satin and running stitch on a golden yellow silk ground. The lion is surrounded by water, mountains, clouds, a tree, and bats also using a satin and running stitch.