Brass-bordered iron gorget, German (c 1640)

Title	Brass-bordered iron gorget
Nationality	German
Period	c 1640

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This is the classic officer's or wealthy private soldier's armour worn on top of a buff coat, such as is seen in Rembrandt's famous painting, The Night Watch. These were worn all over Europe at this period, typically in the Thirty Years War and in the English Civil War. This is the precursor of the 18th-century gorget.

There is no proof 'dent', as would be found on a cavalry breast plate of the same era, but the metal is sufficiently thick to be proof against pistol shots of the period.

Just over 1' wide and just under 1' deep, it is made in two pieces and hinged with a copper rivet at one end and an iron securing pin at the other. Substantial traces of the edging of the original lining remain and the inside has been painted black to preserve it. Its condition is excellent for its age and examples can be seen in places like the Graz Zeughaus.

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

[Militaria : Armour : German : 17th Century]

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