Name/Title
Boatswain [Collar Insignia] (Set #1)Description
Collar insignia shaped as a boatswain's whistle. One end is a five-pointed star and T-E-X-A-S between the points, the keel is cross hatched, and the other end is shaped as a mouthpiece. Die-struck and made of coin silver.Context
The Boatswain is responsible for maintenance of the ship's boats, sails, rigging, anchors and cables. As a specialist professional whose expertise and authority demanded formal recognition, he is a Warrant Officer and his insignia is silver. The name of the rank originated in medieval England. It was first used during the 13th century, in the Royal Navy, where warrant officers achieved the designation by virtue of their accrued experience or seniority, and technically held the rank by a warrant, rather than by a formal commission (as in the case of a commissioned officer).
The Boatswain, along with the Carpenter and Gunner, was a standing officer, notable because, unlike the rest of the ship's company, he remained with the ship even when she was out of commission (e.g. for repair, refitting or replenishment, or while laid up).
Texas' Lone Star identity was formed during the Texas Revolution. This insignia is believed to have been handmade of melted silver coins and/or scrap silver pieces in the Algiers Shipyard, New Orleans, Louisiana.