Frontplate of a Ceremonial Gorget
Culture
Flemish
, or
Culture
Netherlandish
Date1620–1630
Mediumetched and engraved steel with gilding and silvering
Dimensions30.5 × 27.3 × 6.4 cm (12 × 10 3/4 × 2 1/2 in.), 1 lb, 8 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.17
DescriptionOf a single plate of steel, with keyhole slot on one shoulder and stud on the other for securing to backplate.Label TextThe gorget was a neckguard worn under the torso armor, helping the armor sit more comfortably on the shoulders. It was worn over a padded leather coat that also provided cushioning and protection. After 1600, the torso armor was often abandoned, but some officers chose to keep wearing the gorget over the leather coat, which was now the main torso defense. As a result, the once-plain gorget came to be elaborately decorated. A reduced version of the gorget continued to be worn as a badge of rank into the American Revolution.ProvenanceFrederic Spitzer (Paris). Purchased by John W. Higgins on January 12, 1929 from Anderson Galleries (NY), Spitzer sale, lot 668. Given to the Museum on December 15, 1931. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
Italian
late 1500s–early 1600s, with later decoration and additions
late 1600s
