Navy regulations concerning tie tacks and tie clasps are extremely similar to those for belt buckles; in both cases, personnel are authorized to wear them decorated “with appropriate insignia to which the wearer is entitled” provided the base color of the item is authorized for the rank (gold for Officers and CPOs, silver for E-6 and below).
Authorized for wear with four-in-hand ties (and by logical extension only by male Officers since women Officers wear necktabs), our U.S. Navy Officer tie tack and tie clasp feature the same insignia found on the Officer’s cap device for Combination Hats: a pair of gold, crossed fouled anchors under a burnished silver shield that is surmounted by an eagle with spread wings and facing to the wearer’s right. Taken from British naval tradition, fouled anchors are commonly found on Navy insignia and imagery, and are typically said to represent the trials and tribulations faced by Navy personnel in positions of authority.
Tie tacks and tie clasps are worn with the four-in-hand tie. They should be positioned horizontally and placed one inch below the center of the tie.
More Officer / CWO Insignia & Accouterments
Cap Device
Gold Star Sleeve Device
Line Officer Hard Shoulder Boards
Line Officer Soft Shoulder Boards (Epaulets)
Gold Belt Buckle
Gold Coat Buttons
Cuff Link