Collar and collar
- Available
-
Delivery time: 7 - 9 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 7 - 9 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
The gorget – known as a ‘gorget’ in English and French – is one of the most technically demanding elements of plate armour: it protects one of the most vulnerable areas of the body whilst connecting the helmet, breastplate and shoulder plates into a functional whole. Whether you’re looking for a historical reconstruction for re-enactment or a sturdy collar for exhibition combat – here you’ll find an overview of types, materials and the right choice for your purpose.
What is a gorget – and what does ‘gorget’ mean?
A gorget is a metal collar that protects the neck, chin and nape during combat. The term is derived from the Middle High German word for ‘neck’ and, in the strictest sense, refers to the plate form of this armour element – in contrast to the chainmail collar, which consists of chain mail or a combination of leather and iron plates.
The English and French term ‘gorget’ comes from the Old French ‘gorge’, meaning throat or gullet – it is therefore a direct French loanword that has been fully adopted into English. ‘Gorget’ and ‘Halsberge’ essentially refer to the same armour element, although in German-speaking regions a distinction is more commonly made between ‘Halsberge’ (plate form) and ‘Ringkragen’ (chain form).
Within the armour, the gorget serves an important connecting function: it sits between the helmet and the breastplate, whilst allowing head movements without creating gaps in protection. Many models consist of several hinged steel plates that adapt to the movement of the neck.
The right neck guard for your activity: re-enactment, exhibition combat or historical performance
Lighter 18-gauge models (1.2–1.3 mm steel) and leather collars are suitable for costume performances, photo shoots or occasional markets. They are easy to handle, sufficiently sturdy and available from around €38 – for example, as a simple plate gorget or a medieval gorget in a polished or blackened finish. The fit can be individually adjusted using leather straps and buckles.
16-gauge models (1.6 mm steel) based on historical designs are the standard for more intensive re-enactments. 15th-century Gothic gorgets or High Medieval gorgets based on an original from the Louvre in Paris offer historical authenticity whilst remaining practical for everyday use at medieval markets. Polished and blackened (burnished) finishes are available and significantly influence the visual character of the entire armour. Combine the gorgets with matching shoulder plates and breastplates for a cohesive overall look.
For active display combat, a flexible chin guard is essential – it prevents the collar from slipping upwards during combat or interfering with the head protection. ‘Black Knight’ style models with a separate chin plate made from 1.6 mm steel are designed for this purpose. Look for rolled edges, which minimise the risk of injury from sharp edges. Check compatibility with your arm guards, leg guards and helmet beforehand to ensure the whole system works seamlessly together.
Types at a glance: neck guards, ring collars, gorgets and chin guards
Neck guards (plate-style)
The classic among armour collars: foldable or riveted, in polished or blackened finishes. Variants such as the Gothic neck guard with a crimped edge or the Black Knight neck guard with a movable chin guard cover a wide spectrum from simple re-enactments to exhibition combat.
Ring collars
The ring collar often serves as a connecting piece between armour parts. Historically documented as a pure leather-iron combination or as chain mail, it offers greater flexibility and a different level of comfort than the rigid plate form. A typical example is the chain mail collar as a supplementary element.
Special designs
The gladiator collar made of polished steel with wire studs is a characteristic special design for ancient re-enactments. The Renaissance ladies’ or conquistador neck guards demonstrate how versatile the concept of the armour collar has been interpreted throughout the ages – from the hinged steel design to the lightweight leather collar with metal reinforcement.
Material and thickness: 1.2 mm, 1.6 mm steel and leather compared
| Material / Thickness | Suitability | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 18 gauge (1.2–1.3 mm steel) | Description | Lighter, lower weight, suitable for occasional use and retail markets |
| 16 gauge (1.6 mm steel) | Reenactment / exhibition combat | Standard for intensive use, more robust and durable, higher level of protection |
| Carbon steel | Re-enactment | More durable than standard steel, but more prone to rust – regular rust protection required |
| Leather with iron plates | Reenactment / LARP | Historically documented, more comfortable to wear, for softer portrayals and light use |
| Polished surface | Presentable | Shiny silver, representative of High Medieval and Gothic knight figures |
| Blackened / burnished surface | Versatile | Subdued appearance, low-maintenance, popular for darker character concepts and stage combat |
Historical development: From a simple collar to Gothic neck protection
Early forms
The first neck guards emerged as simple iron plates or leather collars designed to cover the unprotected area between the helmet and breastplate. A significant original from this period is housed in the Louvre in Paris and serves as a model for High Medieval reconstructions available on the market today.
Gothic neck guards
In the late Middle Ages, the Gothic neck guard developed, featuring a characteristic beaded edge and an increasingly sophisticated construction. Separate chin plates and movable joints allowed for greater freedom of movement whilst providing enhanced protection. A documented example is the neck guard by Matthes Deutsch from around 1480.
Renaissance and Conquistador
The Renaissance period gave rise to new forms – including lighter ladies’ gorgets and the characteristic conquistador collars, which were also used in overseas campaigns. The basic principle of the protective armour collar remained, but became stylistically more varied.
Symbolic rank insignia
With the decline of plate armour, the gorget evolved into a symbolic rank insignia for officers in various European armies. The combination of protective function and status symbol makes the gorget one of the longest-lasting elements of armour in military history.
Fit, care and combination with other armour parts
Most gorgets can be individually adjusted using leather straps and buckles. When purchasing, it is worth measuring your neck circumference – this is particularly crucial for fold-down models to ensure the collar is neither too tight nor slips during combat. Fold-down designs make putting on and taking off the gorget considerably easier, which is a real advantage during long marches or intense combat.
The neck guard sits between the helmet and the breastplate and must harmonise with both pieces. When buying a new helmet or breastplate, be sure to check whether the neck guard and helmet overlap or get in each other’s way. A ring collar is ideal as a flexible connector if the helmet and breastplate are of different heights. Shoulder plates should also be matched to the neck guard to ensure there are no gaps in protection.
After each use, wipe the neck guards dry to remove moisture. Carbon steel in particular is prone to rust and should be regularly treated with a light oil (e.g. gun oil or sewing machine oil). Polished surfaces can be refreshed with a soft cloth; blackened surfaces occasionally require a thin layer of black oil or wax polish.
Treat leather straps and leather collars occasionally with leather grease to prevent brittleness. With combined leather-and-steel models, ensure that moisture is not trapped between the materials. Store in a dry place, avoiding direct contact with the floor – ideally on a helmet stand or in a storage bag that allows air circulation.
From the scene: What experienced re-enactors look for when buying
- Choose a gauge thickness suitable for the intended use: For genuine stage combat, 16 gauge (1.6 mm) is the minimum – 18-gauge models are suitable for decorative purposes or light re-enactment, but not for intensive combat.
- Opt for a foldable design: A foldable neck guard is much easier to put on and take off than a rigid model – a significant comfort factor, particularly during long events.
- Check for rolled edges: Rolled edges not only reduce the risk of injury from sharp steel edges, but also look more historically authentic than sharply cut edges.
- Check for historical references: Many models are based on documented originals – such as the High Medieval gorgets based on the Louvre original or the Gothic gorgets based on Matthes Deutsch (c. 1480). This information is relevant when purchasing for re-enactment groups that require historical accuracy.
- Check compatibility with existing armour: Shoulder plates and breastplates must harmonise with the chosen neck guard. If in doubt, it is worth asking us before purchasing.
With 30 models ranging from simple beginner collars to neck guards suitable for stage combat with movable chin guards, you’ll find the right piece here for every era and every requirement – browse through the range and add this technically and visually important element to your armour.
Frequently Asked Questions
A gorget (also known as a neck guard) is an armour element made of steel or leather that protects the neck, chin and nape during combat. It sits between the helmet and the breastplate, connecting both pieces of armour to form a seamless suit. Gorgets usually consist of one or more hinged steel plates that allow head movement without creating gaps in protection.
The term ‘gorget’ derives from the Old French word ‘gorge’, meaning throat or gullet. It was adopted into English, where it refers to the same piece of armour known in German as a ‘Halsberge’. In modern usage, ‘gorget’ and ‘Halsberge’ are often used synonymously, although in German a distinction is sometimes made between the plate form (Halsberge) and the chain form (ring collar).
Yes, ‘gorget’ is derived from the Old French word ‘gorge’ and is a French loanword. In modern French, ‘gorge’ refers to the throat or neck. In English, the word was adopted as a technical term for the armour collar and is now in international use – even in specialist German shops, ‘gorget’ frequently appears as a synonym for ‘Halsberge’.
For active stage combat, a minimum of 16 gauge (1.6 mm steel) is recommended. This thickness offers sufficient resistance to blows and is more durable than lighter 18-gauge models (1.2–1.3 mm). Also look for rolled edges and a movable chin guard – both significantly increase safety and comfort during combat.
The neck guard sits directly beneath the helmet and should overlap the rim slightly without restricting head movement. Check the dimensions of both items before purchasing – particularly with sallets or visor helmets, the neck guard may collide with the helmet rim. A ring collar as a connecting piece can help compensate for height differences between the helmet and the breastplate.