Gorget

I have been asked by a number of customers to make armour that would stand out as being different but still look as though it could have been seen in history. This gorget was my first attempt to do just that. Though this gorget is not based on any particular original I don't feel that it is entirely a fantasy piece. I used a standard articulated design that was common on gorgets from the 15th to the 17th centuries. The heat blackened and rough hammered finish is commonly seen on Italian, Spanish and French Parade armours of that same period.

The embossing, also known as chase / repoussé work, was inspired by the 16th century work of Caremolo Modrone and the Negroli family of armourers. Of course the Negroli work is absolutely stunning and far more detailed than mine but hopefully, with practice , my skill will improve. The pattern was intended to stylistically represent feathers. As time permits I intend to make shoulders with a similar motif to go with this gorget.

If you like the look of chase / repoussé on armour you might want to check out "Heroic Armor of the Italian Renaissance: Filippo Negroli and His Contemporaries" by  Stuart W. Pyhrr, José A Godoy and Silvio Leydi. This is a beautiful book loaded with detailed information and excellent photos of armour masterpieces.