Gorget Gorget

Gorget - Definition and Overview

Sir  wears a gorget for a portrait
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Sir Philip Sidney wears a gorget for a portrait

A gorget is a type of armor designed to protect the neck. It is a feature of older types of armor, designed to protect against swords and other non-projectile weapons.

Most medieval versions of gorgets were simple neck protectors that were worn under the breastplate and backplate set. These neck plates supported the weight of the armour on top and many had straps attached that were for the shoulder armour plates to be fastened to.

Later renaissance gorgets were not worn with a breastplate and were instead worn over the clothing. Most of these types were beautifully etched, gilt, embossed, or enamelled and probably very expensive.

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