Why I like epaulettes

**Kilted Cole** · 13th September 13, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

Dr Maturin, upon seeing Lieutenant Jack Aubrey in his new uniform: "Jack, you appear to be missing one of your pretty epaulettes."

Jack: "I intend to attend to that, in time."

The joke is that Lieutenants wore a single epaulette, Captains two, of which the civilian Dr Maturin was not aware. Jack also reveals an ambition for promotion.

(Paraphrased, as I don't have the book in front of me.)

May I ask....what book are you referencing?

**Downunder Kilt** · 13th September 13, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by Kilted Cole

May I ask....what book are you referencing?

Here is the wiki entry re Jack Aubrey, that should explain the situation. Cheers

**Steve Ashton** · 13th September 13, 08:16 PM

Quote
"The joke is that Lieutenants wore a single epaulette, Captains two,"

And which the movie got wrong.

**be da veva** · 14th September 13, 09:35 AM

Originally Posted by mookien

I usually put a can of beer under each of mine.

or it didn't happen.....

**Kilted Cole** · 14th September 13, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by be da veva

or it didn't happen.....

I'm with this.....Prove it! You have been called out. lol:beer:

**mookien** · 14th September 13, 11:34 AM

Next time I get suited up for suds, I'll get a snap and post it - beer cans and all. Just don't hold your breath. I'm tardy (or is it re-tardy) with all my pics.

**OC Richard** · 16th September 13, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by Kilted Cole

May I ask....what book are you referencing?

Master and Commander, by Patrick O Brian.

Here is the actual quote

Dr Maturin:

"I beg your pardon. You were speaking of wetting a swab."

Jack Aubrey:

"Oh, yes. It is a cant expression we have in the Navy. The swab is this" -patting his epaulette- "and when first we ship it, we wet it: that is to say, we drink a bottle or two of wine."

"Indeed?" said Maturin with a civil inclination of his head. "A decoration, a badge of rank, I make no doubt? A most elegant ornament, so it is, upon my soul. But, my dear sir, have you not forgot the other one?"

"Well," said Jack, laughing, "I dare say I shall put them both on, by and by."

**DougC** · 17th September 13, 05:22 AM

I like epaulettes too. I imaging the regimental glengarry I found after attending the Edinburg Tattoo years ago came from a laddie who used is epaulette to hold his cap in place. the glengarry was nicely broken in and the badge is fantastic-the hat is the best souvenir I have ever found.

**Chas** · 17th September 13, 08:01 AM

Some jackets should have epaulettes. If it has a Argyle cuff or a Braemar cuff, then it should have epaulettes. It finishes the look. I have a Crail type jacket as well. A modern straight cuff and no epaulettes, for a more modern look.

Horses for courses - some jackets should have them and some should not.

**Nathan** · 17th September 13, 08:07 AM

It is precisely because of their military look, that I'll eventually be purchasing a jacket without epaulettes, special cuffs, or pocket flaps.

I have epaulettes on all of kilt jackets but one at the moment as they are standard but I'd also like something that screams business suit to the untrained eye rather than "uniform".

I'm often asked by the unfamiliar if I'm in a kind of uniform whilst kilted.