Name/Title
TNS Brutus [Belt Buckle]Description
Heavy, rectangular coin silver belt buckle with applied BRUTUS above a five-pointed star and canted anchor. Cross hatching along the border to emulate rope.Context
This belt buckle, with BRUTUS, would have been worn by one of the Standing Officers (the Boatswain, Carpenter, or Gunner), 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 whilst laid up).
As a specialist professional whose expertise and authority demanded formal recognition, the Warrant Officer's 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).
Note: this insignia was made of melted Mexican silver coins as the United States did not have silver ore until the discovery of the Comstock Lode in Nevada in 1859.