Gorget

Culture European

Datelate 1800s–early 1900s

Mediumetched steel with gilding

Dimensions2 lb, 1 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1155.2

DescriptionThis is a modern piece in the Italian style of circa 1570, perhaps made for a different armor (see comparative decoration on pieces in Rossi and Carpegna, p. 50, catalogue number 103; Spitzer catalogue of 1892, nos. 32, 91). It is of two halves of two lames each, pivoted at the left edge of the mainplate and secured on the right by a keyhole-shaped slot on the frontplate which engages a domed stud on the plate, as well as a hole on the frontlame above snapping over a peg on the rear half. The front mainplate is curved, with inturned edges below. At the top is a riveted narrow necklame finished with an inward, plain turn over a wire core.

The rear mainplate is moderately deep, formed to accommodate the tops of the shoulders. On either side of this plate is a single, tongueless brass buckle of trapezoidal form for the pauldron straps. The edge of the rearplates are finished in suite with their mates.

Both mainplates are decorated with three etched and gilded broad bands filled with blackened intertwined strapwork. The bands on either side of the frontplate have a central oblate cartouche charged with a dolphin. The decoration in etched upon a closely-stippled ground. The bands are framed by a gilded guilloche, this in turn edged by an alternating etched spkie-and-trilobate design. On the central bands the base of this design is finished with a leaved-motif. The upper and lower edges of the mainplate are bordered by gilded guilloche designs within a frame of both etched and incised lines. The full area of the neck lames is etched with martial trophies, urns and dolphins all on a stippled, gilded ground.
Provenance[Excluding helmet]: Mr. Henry (Paris, pre 1886, then joined gauntlets to harness without helmet) Mr. Barré (Paris?, 1886-?) Chevalier Raoul Richards (Rome, to 1890) V.R. Bachereau (Paris; seems to have brought helmet/armor together) George Jay Gould (NYC; part of armor) Duveen Brothers (NYC) Purchased with armour by John W. Higgins on 18 January 1928 from Duveen Brothers (their no. C3177G); Given to Armory on 21 March 1928. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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