Brass Royal Navy Master & Commander Shoehorn c.1807

A very good and extremely rare Royal Navy shoehorn bearing the rank insignia of the ship's Master. The triple anchor emblem first appeared in 1807 but its use was short-lived. Onboard a First Rate Ship of the Line, a commissioned Master was the ship's navigator, regarded as second only to the Captain. However, the Admiralty could appoint the The Master as Captain of a smaller warships, making them both, 'Master and Commander'. A historic item with minimal wear, a great age patina and no damage.