18th Century Gorget

18^th Century Gorget

French and Indian War Revolutionary War Gorget

During the 18^th century these brass gorgets were imported in to New York from France. They arrived without the silver decoration that American silversmiths could decorate with silver overlay according to their clients wishes.

An example of these gorgets can be found on display at the Yorktown Battlefield Museum with the silver bear applied. When I found the gorget there had never been a silver overlay applied. I had Mitch Yates, silversmith in the Hamptons, NY apply the silver overlay of a bear which is identical to the bear overlay on the gorget at the Yorktown Battlefield Museum. ( Note the silver overlay can be easily removed and bears the touch mark of Mitch Yates)

This gorget has its original patina on the back. The front while pleasing was cleaned before I purchased it. Mitch did not disturb any of the original patina. The gorget is brass with silver overlay and has it original bullion buttons which are in amazing condition given the age.  ( gorget is approx 6” X  3 ½”) – Silver overlay is 3 /12” X 2 ¾”)

A neat piece from the F & I War and the  American Revolutionary War, ca 1750 – 1780.