Frontplate of a Gorget
Datelate 1600s
Mediumblued steel, brass, and leather with paint and gilding
Dimensions17 × 20 cm (6 11/16 × 7 7/8 in.), 12 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.787
DescriptionBlued steel, now russet, with painted decoration, brass rivets & leather lining-band. Deep, curved frontplate with upstanding, curved neck flange, inwardly turned plain edges, bordered by shallow, wide recessed bands with domed brass rivets securing leather lining-band. Turned edges gold-painted as is inner edge of recessed band. Face symmetrically decorated with painted, scrolling leafy tendrils & eagles. At center is ornate shield on a trophy of banners, drums & gun tubes, surmounted by classical male bust. At base are a pair of heraldic helmets. Much of surface, including face of bust, has detached due to improper past display & storage.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. This example was designed to be worn in this manner.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins on September 28, 1929 from estate of Bashford Dean (Riverdale, NY). Given to the Museum on July 1, 1947. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
Southern German
about 1550
