December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
This pattern of gorget was adopted in 1802 when the Crown designated the Marine to be a "royal" corps, its facings change from white to royal blue and the officer's metal from silver to gold. In form, it is similar to the Universal Pattern worn by the British Army since 1796, a gilded-copper, convex, crescent-shaped form with turned edge, 4 1/4 x 3 1/2 in. It is engraved on the face with a fouled anchor within a shield inside crossed laurel branches (the device of the Royal Marines, also painted on drums and colours at this time), underneath the royal coat of arms. It retains its original blue, suspension rosettes and "ties" of silk ribbon. CONDITION: very good, although 90-95% of the gilding is rubbed away from overcleaning during- and post-period; the rare rose knots and ribbons are in very good condition. A scarce and desirable gorget today.