Original French 2nd Empire Model 1872 Officer D’Infanterie Gorget

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a lovely example of a 19th Century French Second Empire Officer’s Gorget, as worn by the French Officer D’Infanterie, or officer of infantry. A gorget, from the French gorge meaning throat, was a band of linen wrapped around a woman's neck and head in the medieval period or the lower part of a simple chaperon hood. The term later described a steel or leather collar to protect the throat, a set of pieces of plate armor, or a single piece of plate armor hanging from the neck and covering the throat and chest. Later, particularly from the 18th century, the gorget became primarily ornamental, serving as a symbolic accessory on military uniforms, a use which has survived in some armies.

The gorget is constructed out of brass which has tarnished to a lovely patina, and features crossed swords within a wreath, denoting an officer of infantry. 

The condition is heavily worn with some residue to the front. The badge has a bit of play but has certainly always been on the gorget. The right side next to the hole is stamped R. The gorget measures 5 ⅜ x 4”. There is minor pitting present on the reverse as well as scratching.

A lovely example ready for further research and display.