Gorget, 1630 (c)

This high-quality piece of armour probably belonged to an officer. It was worn as a symbol of wealth and rank as well as a defence to protect the neck. Officers on both sides in the English Civil War were members of the gentry and most did not wear a uniform, but wore their own fine quality civilian clothes under a buff coat and gorget. A sash worn over the left shoulder across the body, or around the waist indicated an officer's rank.