This is the classic French gorget, the shape inherited from the old Napoleonic examples, which usually carried the eagle. With the Bourbon restoration in 1815, the lilies replaced the eagle. Under Napoleon III, a silver Napoleonic eagle replaced the lilies in 1854. The hunting horn indicates a light infantry unit / chasseurs.
These were worn right up until the fall of the monarchy in the 1848 revolution,although the cockerel tended to replace the lillies under Louis Phillipe (i.e between 1830-48)
The gilding, sadly, has all been lost; tiny traces, however, can be seen at the edges of the badge where it interfaces with the body. It is of two-piece construction, typical of the gorgets of the early 19th century. Otherwise, the condition is quite splendid, with a natural light brown age patina throughout, which I have refrained from polishing. It would be a simple matter to polish it bright, should this be desired.
Prov: from the J.R. Gaunt & Son Ltd. Pattern Book Archive, sold at auction by order of the National Army Museum, London.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Militaria : Badges : French : 19th Century]
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