A gorget originally was a steel or leather collar designed to protect the throat. Later, particularly from the 18th century onwards, the gorget became primarily ornamental, serving only as a symbolic accessory on military uniforms. This gorget is an impressive example of Medieval Style plate armor. It is handcrafted from 18 gauge steel and feature an attractive shiny metal finish that makes this armor all but gleam in the light. This item works perfect with our: Medieval Armor Pauldron Starting out as simple neck protection, the gorget was a vital piece of Medieval and Renaissance armor. Transitioning from a piece worn under ones armor to a piece worn over the armor, the gorget soon became established as a sign of rank and elevated status. Long after the spread of gunpowder rendered plate armor effectively useless, the gorget still retained a place in military circles as rank insignia and was essentially the last vestige of Medieval armor to remain in active use.