Original Item: Only one available. An officer's Gorget was perhaps the last symbolic piece of "armor" worn by British officers to denote their authority. The introduction of firearms in the 16th and 17th centuries reduced knightly suits of armor as a viable defense. By the time the 18th century arrived, cavalry wore Cuirasses for upper body protection but the great weight needed to deflect musket balls became obsolete after the battle of Waterloo in 1815. Thereafter armor was strictly ceremonial.

Early in the 18th century (1700s), officers still wore "Gorgets" to symbolize armor and rank. Intended to hang from the neck by a black silk cord, the gorget was displayed in the center of an officer's chest. When the Duke of Clarence became King William the Fourth in 1830 he did away with Gorgets, the last being used in 1831 with his kind permission.

This is a very nice silver plated brass officer's gorget, which came to us as part of a large military silver collection. It dates to approximately 1770-1780, the period of the American Revolution. The gorget measures approximately 4 ½” x 4 ½”, and displays the Crowned GR royal cypher of King George III, who reigned 25 October 1760 – 29 January 1820. The interior has been lined with sage green paint, but looks like it has bee repainted in the past, probably as needed. There are also some felt washers around the mounting holes, probably to prevent scratching.

Overall condition is very good, showing wear through the silver plating around much of the perimeter. A very nice example, fresh to the marked and ready for further research.