Images(2)

Gorget of the 20th Regiment

Dateca. 1770

OriginEngland

MediumSilver, iron

DimensionsOH: 5 1/2 "; OW: 4 3/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2005-13

DescriptionIn compliance to the Royal Warrant of 1768, this gorget is made of silver to match the color of the metal of the 20th Regiment's officer’s buttons and lace. The central part of the body in engraved with the Royal Arms of George III. Its corners, or horns, are adorned with trophies of arms, worked in repousee, chasing, engraving and matting. The trophies include ribbons, flags, helmets, body armour, shields, swords, fascines and what appears to be batons.

A hole appears at the top of each corner to receive the ribbon or chain which suspended it around the wearer's neck. Created from hammered sheet silver (marks remaining on verso), the raised edge encloses an iron armature wire for strength.Label TextOriginally a piece of armor to protect the throat, a gorget had become, by the colonial period, an ornament signifying rank in the British military. This example, made for an officer of the 20th Regiment, is engraved with the Royal Arms of George III.Inscription(s)"XXth REGt" engraved below Royal ArmsProvenanceThe 20th Regiment arrived in Quebec in May of 1776 and participated in Carleton's Lake Champlain expedition that year. In 1777, the 20th formed part of Burgoyne's army which surrendered to Gates at Saratoga.

ex. - Wallis & Wallis, Lewes (UK), 1 December 1972, Lot 2064
- John J. Ford, Jr. collection, sold by Stack's (NYC) 18 January 2005, Lot 312