France French Imperial Collar?

[Linasl]

Greetings All.

I have an interesting "collar" that I believe is Imperial French (three fleur-de-lys). I assume this is of military origin. I have attached a low resulution photo on this post, but you can see a number of high resolution photos on one of my PhotoBucket albums, following this link:

http://s752.photobuc.../linasl/Collar/

I have several questions:

1. is this Imperial FRENCH?

a. if not French, do you know what country?

2. does it look original?

3. do you know from which Imperial epoque this is from (Napoleon, Louis XVIII, Charles X, Louis Philippe)?

4. who would have worn this / was it an award, a ceremonial piece, etc?

Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you. Linas

[Michael Johnson]

It appears to be a gorget, used by many armies as a mark of an officer. The slots for the ribbon to hang it around the officer's neck are clear.

It is probably French Monarchy, but I'm not sure whether pre-Revolution or Restoration.

[Linasl]

Thank you Michael.

Were/are gorgets only worn in full dress, or at other times? I honestly have no idea.

Thanks again. Linas

[Ulsterman]

I think it is French monarchy-pre 1792....BUT it may be first Bourbon restoration (1815-30).

[Michael Johnson]

Well, it certainly doesn't look like this version of the Restoration coat of arms: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coat_of_Arms_of_the_Bourbon_Restoration_(1815-30).svg

Edited April 26, 2010 by Michael Johnson

[Linasl]

Thank you Michael.

So as Ulsterman said, it is probably pre-1792 French monarchy. Would you agree?

Since I typically only deal in medals, I have no idea about gorgets. Any guess on the value of such an item?

Thanks to both of you.

Linas

[Ulsterman]

well, they cost a lot more than they used to that's for certain. May we see the back please? there were gorgets made in the UK for exiled troops and I'd love to see if this was one of them with a UK hall mark.

[Linasl]

Greetings Ulsterman.

There are no markings on the reverse.

Linas