The origin of epaulettes; An Admiral; Present Day. The epaulette first became a sign of military rank during the eighteenth century in France. Other countries in time adopted the epaulette; but it was not at first used in the Royal Navy. This resulted in British naval officers losing a certain measure of prestige abroad; a matter rectified in 1795 by the granting of epaulettes. Originally the epaulette consisted of a limp fringe attached to the shoulder strap; and was worn on both shoulders by Admirals and Senior Captains. Junior Captains wore an epaulette on the right shoulder only; Commanders and Masters on the left shoulder only. Epaulettes are now worn with ceremonial dress on both shoulders by all officers above the rank of Sub-Lieutenant. Illustration for one of a set of 50 cigarette cards on the subject of Interesting Customs and Traditions of the Navy; Army and Airforce issued by Lambert & Butler in 1939.