Italian Gorget 1580
Gorget of two main plates with single neck-lames at the front and rear. The outer edges of the main plates are bordered by a half roll and recessed border, the half roll roped. The neck edge of the main plates with matching roped half-rolls. The neck plates with roped full rolls. The neck plates are secured by an internal hinge at the left and a pin in the rear plate engaging a hole in the front plate on the right. The main plates are secured by a turning hook on the right which engages in a keyhole slot. Very similar to that on Corselet II.47 in the Royal Armouries (illustrated on plate LIX in European Armour in the Tower of London). The large round rivets are replacements, likely from a 20th c. refit. At the time the upper neck plates were secured to hte main plates using the holes intended for leathers and the outer false rivet. The left side of the main plates have holes which would have been a pivot. Since the piece no longer has leathers, this allows the gorget to open. The hinge securing the neck plates on the left appears to be a replacement, likely from the same restoration as the large headed rivets. Displayed as part of item number A-114.
Measurements: Top of collar 6 in. wide and 6 3/16 in front to back. 11 1/4 in. wide at the widest part of the back. Thickess of the main plate generally .030-.040, the collar plate .020-.030. Weight 1 pound 9.6 ounces (725g).
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This site last updated Wed Jul 09 21:38:05 EDT 2025