Malachite Fouled Anchor Kilt Pin

A rare Mid-Victorian era malachite and sterling silver kilt pin in a fouled (rope-wrapped) anchor shape. The pin is an unusual form with the malachite channel-set inside the sterling sheath. Measures approximately 2.5 inches tall. A rare find!

In nautical terminology, a fouled anchor is one that has become hooked on some object on the seafloor or has its cable wound round the stock. The history of the fouled anchor as an insignia dates back to the seal of Lord Howard of Effingham who served as Lord Admiral of England during the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. The most recent Lord Admiral, Prince Philip, used the emblem until his death in 2021.  The seal is also flown on the ship carrying the monarch to sea or during the launching of a warship of the Royal Navy.