Argentina, Republic. An Italian-Made Set of Naval Admiral Epaulettes, c.1915

An extremely well crafted and high quality set of Italian-made Argentinian Naval Admiral epaulettes in their original case. The epaulettes are constructed of a padded base, with a fine corduroy-patterned obverse consisting of golden-yellow embroidery in a longitudinal fashion. The obverse of these epaulettes exhibits extremely fine embroidery in twisted, rolled, and flat gold bullion wires, in the form of a traditional Argentinian naval fouled anchor, Royal scepter diagonally positioned on the anchor, with an embroidered sun with sixteen rays superimposed. The anchor is surrounded by embroidered bullion laurel leaves and stems bearing fruit. The epaulettes are edged partially by a golden bullion border on the squared sides. The ridge of the epaulettes is constructed of matching golden bullion wires that are densely wrapped around a fabric core to form wavy and straight rows of strings. Around the ridge of the epaulettes are countless golden fringes that are sew into the underside, and suspended by gravity. They are two rows of fringes, forming a dense layer, held together via a single wire. The underside is lined in black velvet, with two bronze clips. The epaulettes measure 184 mm x 120 mm, and are in mint condition. They are housed in their original box, constructed of lined wood that is lined with black linen. The interior is padded, and lined with bright red velvet. The lid features a ribbon that is embossed with “Unione Militare Italia Unicos Introductores en la Republica Argentina Magnani Hermanos Buenos Aires” in gilt lettering. It features a lock (without key), an intact interior fabric hinge cover that is slightly severed, and two exterior metal hinges, one of which is is severed. It measures 256 mm (w) x 159 mm (h) x 120 mm (d). An overall extremely well preserved set in near mint condition.