Hand & Lock
Ever fancied awarding yourself the Order of the Bath? Well you can buy your very own insignia, if not the actual order, for the bargain price of £487.50 (excluding VAT at 20%).
When I first read Amy Miller's Dressed to Kill, I was absolutely astonished by the sums naval officers spent on silver and gold lace, particularly when it had a tendency to tarnish at sea. There's no denying that it's devilishly handsome stuff though, so I was fascinated to discover Hand & Lock, a traditional embroidery company which was founded in 1767 and still specialises in bespoke, individually crafted embroidery for "a wide range of niche markets from Civilian and Military Regalia through to Ecclesiastical and Couture."
They have a predictably classy website which, among other things, covers the history of the company and provides some stunning examples of their work. They even have an online shop where you can buy all manner of wonderful things ranging from military and civilian insignia, epaulettes and shoulder chords, orders of chivalry to couture clutch bags. There's a whole page of Royal Navy lace and badges, along with historical militaria and collectibles. You can even buy a replica set of Nelson's orders for £200!
I wonder if they also sell naval knickers embroidered with flowers?! ;)