A black woven ribbon (cap tally) of standard Royal Canadian Navy issue, used to encircle the base of a sailor’s cap and tied in a bow at the left side. The ribbon shows frayed edges and unraveling threads, particularly around the woven text area. The material is faded black nylon or silk, once glossy, with faint traces of gold lettering identifying the wearer’s ship as “H.M.C.S.”, denoting service aboard a Canadian naval vessel.
This cap tally would have been worn by ratings and junior sailors as part of the traditional naval uniform, signifying both identity and affiliation.