May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
There are only a few known surviving examples of this rare double lobe pattern, which was only used by a couple regiments during the Revolutionary War. This gorget is featured on page 43 of "Insignia of Independence" by Don Troiani and James L. Kochan. The gorget is composed of sheet silver wrapped around sheet brass backing. The gorget is inscribed along the bottom "VTH REGT" with the British Royal Crest and banner reading "DIEU ET MON DROIT" engraved above. This is for the 5th Regiment of Royal Fusiliers. Above that is the 5th Regiment's crest engraved a dragoon below a banner with their motto, which reads "QUO FATA VOCANT", a latin phrase translating to "Whither Destiny Takes Me". The 5th Regiment arrived in Boston in July of 1774. The regiment fought at Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, and several later battles in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Some of these include White Plains, New York in October of 1776, Fort Washington, New York in November 1776, Brandywine in September 1777, and Germantown in October 1777. They departed America for duty in the West Indies in 1778. A rare and historically significant gorget. CONDITION: Silver shows some tarnishing and engraving shows some light wear but remains crisp and clear. There is a minor crack along the top edge in the center on the gorget and a couple minor dents on the left side. Brass lining on back retains a dark mustard patina. PROVENANCE: Tom Grinslade Collection.