What-is-it question XII

[Granmaa]

Here's an interesting little item I found in book which shall remain nameless for now. It's English and was made in 1828. I can't give you any dimensions I'm afraid, but perhaps you can use the hallmarks at the bottom as a guide.

The Masonic? symbolism might help.

Miles


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[2209patrick]

Hello Miles.
I think I know what your item is called, but I'll wait till tomorrow to post my answer. Maybe someone else can guess it.
If I'm correct, this type of item was also produced in America, but for an entirely different purpose.
Here's a picture of an American version.



Pat.
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[Granmaa]

There's some beautiful engraving on yours Pat; do you know when it was made?

Miles
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[2209patrick]

The piece was made by Joseph Richardson of Philadelphia Pennsylvannia. Not sure if it was Sr. or Jr. who made it. Joseph Richardson Jr. stopped producing pieces around 1795. At that time, George Washington appointed him "Assayer of the Mint". So we're looking at 18th century for either father or son.

The engraving shows William Penn offering a winged pipe to an American Indian. This piece was actually presented to an Indian Chief.

Pat.
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[2209patrick]

I believe both these items are called a Gorget. The origins of the gorget can be traced back to the chivalric armor. In the English military gorgets were a symbol of rank.
In America the gorget started out as a ceremonial symbol of rank or status. However, over time, it became standard trade silver with the American Indians.

Regards,
Pat.
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[admin]

Here's GW wearing one.


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[Granmaa]

Right again Pat.
The picture is from Chester Silver 1727-1837 by Maurice Ridgeway.

Miles
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[2209patrick]

Found some more information on the gorget I posted a picture of. The person on the right is described as a Quaker, not William Penn, in this reference. This gorget was made by Joseph Richardson Sr. in 1757. It is 5.25 inches wide.



Pat.
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