Jersey Island Gorget and Epaulettes

[juno-44]

Hi, I was fortunate enough to acquired in the mid 2000's two nice gorgets and epaulettes from Marc Dallain of Montreal, Canada. Marc's ancesters were from the Island of Jersey, one was named Gedeon Dallain born in 1767 Officer in the 4th Regiment (St Lawrence Battalion) Jersey Militia. I would please like to know, if the gorgets are GIIIV or GIVR, if the chain mail epaulettes are from the same period and were they issued to the Infantry or the Cavalry? I am looking forward to hear from one of you.

Regards, juno-44

[Chris Boonzaier]

wow, those Gorgets are nice!

[Mervyn Mitton]

Juno - welcome to GMIC. The Epaulettes have the badge for a Light Infantry Company. Cavalry often had chain mail to

protect against sword slashes - however, this was often a decision by the Regt. Colonel.

The Gorget has no distinguishing Cypher for the King - and in fact could be quite an early one. You must remember that Georges 1 to 4

all followed each other. King George 3rd reigned from 1760 to 1820 - he was the second longest reigning Monarch after

Queen Victoria. This period would cover the dates you give.

The epaulettes will be silver - the Gorget probably Gilt brass. Mervyn

[juno-44]

Thank you to both of you.

Regards, juno-44

[peter monahan]

juno

In the Indian Mutiny, 1855-56, General Sir Sam Browne lost his left arm to a tulwar [cavalry sabre] weilded by a reble sowar [trooper]. In consequence he had a belt designed which allowed him to still carry and draw his sword, without the use of a left hand to hold the scabbard.

In addition, many officers took to sewing curb chains from bridles onto their shoulders to ward off such cuts. These were very popular and purpose made chainmail epaulettes quickly became a disntictive mark of light cavalry in particular. So, the epaulettes most probably date from after 1860, which would make them correct for both George III and George IV.

General Sir Isaac Brock and several officers of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment raised 1805, disbanded n1816] were Channel Islanders, though BrocK was from Guernsey. It seems to have been a place from which people came to the New World and the UK in search of careers.

Peter

[Mervyn Mitton]

Peter - did you mean 1760 - George 4 died in 1830 ?

[juno-44]

Hi Peter, I want to thank you for these informations it is greatly appreciated.

Regards, Michel