British Officer’s Gorget 1796 Model Brass Gilt Gorget
British officer’s gorget called the “1796 Model.” It is also known as the British 1796 Universal Pattern officer’s gorget. This gorget dates to the late 18th to the early 19th century. They were originally worn around the neck to protect it from battle wounds. By 1812 it was mostly worn for ornamental purposes. The 1796 model gorget was worn by all officers in British army. Hence the name, Universal Pattern.
British Officer’s Gorget “1796 Model” Brass Gilt Gorget Measurements
- Length: 11 cm
- Width: 8 cm
- Distance between arms: 4.25 cm
This British Officer’s Gorget retains some of its original fire gilding in the edges and recesses. The engraved design is clear and bold and quite attractive. The engraved design is the George III monogram, the “GR”with the crown above it, and flanked with olive branches. The inside is nicely patinated and shows hammering marks.
This is a rare type of military relic. The 1796 model British officer’s gorgets were worn by the British Army officers in the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars. These gorgets were issued in silver and “gold” (that is, gilt brass), and this is an example of the latter. The rolled collar is reinforced with steel wire.
A gorget originally was a steel or leather collar designed to protect the throat. It was a feature of older types of armor and intended to protect against swords and other non-projectile weapons.
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