Original Spanish-American War Incredibly Rare U.S. Captured Spanish Marine Officer’s Gorget with Velvet Lining

Original Item. Only One Available. 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.

This is a lovely Spanish gorget meant for wear by an officer during the Spanish-American War period. The gorget is constructed out of brass which has tarnished to a lovely patina, and features an incredibly rare Spanish Marine officer’s badge which has oxidized with verdigris heavily, covering  the area around it. This example retains the two Spanish Marine buttons at the ends. The reverse of the gorget is still lined with beautiful velvet. This example looks to have been worn in the field, likely captured by a U.S. Naval officer.

This is a fantastic & scarce gorget, ready for further research and display!