How to Make an 18th Century Gorget
The 18th century gorget was a decorative piece worn by officers. The gorget indicated the officer’s rank and that the officer was on duty. The gorget was originally made from silver or silver gilt. It was about three to four inches long and about two inches deep at its widest point. The gorget was traditionally held in place with either a piece of ribbon or a chain. The 18th centry gorget is quite simple to make and it is a necessary part of any 18th century officer’s costume.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Card stock
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Styrene
- Permanent marker
- Utility knife
- Fine grade sandpaper
- Rotary leather punch
- Metallic silver paint
- Silver chain
- Needle-nose pliers
- Chain clasps
Instructions
-
-
1
Draw a half moon shape onto the card stock. The gorget outline is extremely simple and easy to draw freehand for people of all skill levels. The gorget should measure four inches across and about two inches deep at the lowest midpoint. Cut the gorget pattern out using the scissors.
-
2
Place the gorget pattern onto the styrene. Trace the entire pattern with a permanent marker. Carefully cut the gorget out using the utility knife. If needed, lightly sand the edges of the gorget.
-
-
3
Determine the placement of the end holes on the gorget. They should be placed equal distance from each other and equal distance from the outer edge. Don’t place the holes too close to the edge. Proper placement will keep the chain from pulling out. Poke the holes into each end of the gorget using the rotary leather punch.
-
4
Paint both sides of the gorget with metallic silver paint. Let the paint dry thoroughly before proceeding.
-
5
Place the silver chain around your neck. Determine what length the chain should be. The gorget should hang about six inches from the bottom of your neck. The typical adult-length chain should measure 22 inches. Cut the chain into two sections, one-inch longer than your desired length.
-
6
Open one end link of the chain with the needle-nose pliers and put it through the gorget hole and close the link. Repeat this process on the other side. Open the other end links of each chain and attach the clasp to one end and its matching piece to the other and close the links.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Add decorative touches by applying hot glue to the front of the gorget. Circles and scrollwork look fantastic on a gorget’s front. Do this step before painting. Allow to dry completely before applying the metallic silver paint.
