Officer's gorget, 1796 pattern, British (c 1796-1820)

Title	Officer's gorget, 1796 pattern
Nationality	British
Period	c 1796-1820

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This is the classic gorget as worn by line regiments throughout the Napoleonic Wars. It was a universal issue, the only regiments using differentiated gorgets at this period being volunteers/militia, Foot Guards, the 1st Foot and a handful of other units.

The gorget was introduced into British service in the time of William and Mary and was phased out finally in about 1830 when William IV came to the throne.

This particular example has been completely regilt on both sides, which to me suggests electrolysis rather than the traditional fire gilt finish. The blue silk rosettes are modern replacements; originally they would have had silk ties attached to fix the gorget onto the gorget buttons at the top of the officer's tunic.

Provenance: This comes from the collection of the late David Horne, ex-curator, Foot Guards Museum, London.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Militaria : Badges : British : 19th Century]

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