Military Historians, I need help

[beloitpiper]

I'm watching a documentary on the Revolutionary War and I see a lot of British uniforms that look kinda like this:



My question is: what is that gold thing hanging around his neck and what does it do? Is it a medal or award? Or does it serve some purpose I'm not aware of?

[Tim Little]

It's a gorget. I'm no expert, but I believe at this period in time (18th cen.) they are generally ornamental, and worn by officers.

[macwilkin]

It's a gorget. I'm no expert, but I believe at this period in time (18th cen.) they are generally ornamental, and worn by officers.

Spot on & well said, Tim.

Todd

[beloitpiper]

Thanks guys! I thought it looked like some kind of armor, but seemed a bit out of place. This makes sense.

[Atlanta Kiltie]

Thanks guys! I thought it looked like some kind of armor, but seemed a bit out of place. This makes sense.

It was a piece of armor to protect the throat and was carried over as ornamentation as stated previously.

[dfmacliam]

a gorget, it is ornamental piece, carried over from the days of the suits of armour...meant to protect the throat.. usually worn by Officers. In the Rev War, it was worn by all sides.. George Washington was painted wearing one.

I have seen some wonderful examples of presentation pieces made for/by Native Americans during this same era..

[Bigkahuna]

The picture you have is of an officer of The Royal Welch Fusileers, 23rd Regiment of Foot. They have the Prince of Wales crest and Regimental number engraved on their Gorget. Most regiment had some regimental device or the Royal Coat of Arms on their Gorget. G. Gedney Godwin and several other Sutlers sell them, only not regimentally marked. He is also improperly dressed as he has his sword belt over his epaulet. In full dress he would be wearing a Bearskin cap similar but slightly smaller than a Grenadier's.

[Bigkahuna]

Just another small note. In the 78th Fraser's Highlanders, the gorget is awarded as an honor after reaching a certain level of expertise within the Regiment.

[Tim Little]

The picture you have is of an officer of The Royal Welch Fusileers, 23rd Regiment of Foot. They have the Prince of Wales crest and Regimental number engraved on their Gorget. Most regiment had some regimental device or the Royal Coat of Arms on their Gorget.... In full dress he would be wearing a Bearskin cap similar but slightly smaller than a Grenadier's.

Some nice pix on the RWFIA site, btw, including this one from the 225th anniversary of Yorktown:

[Bigkahuna]

Now THAT'S a good picture.Check out the Hessians in the Background.