Hi Paul,
Incredibly interesting item, and the gorget is an element of military fashion seldom discussed it seems. Actually from what I understand in reviewing some information on Rogers Rangers, it does seem quite possible this gorget could be from that or one of the resultant auxiliary units.
Robert Rogers, a New Hampshire farmer, organized his famed unit in 1755 for the British in campaigns during the French-Indian war (1754-63). His irregular frontier unit and those which followed were called 'rangers' for the tactics regarding as unconventional by the British, known as "Rogers Ranging Rules'.
Many elements of thier uniform and attire were of leather in accord with that worn by American Indian tribes, and frontier type clothing, eventually adopting green dyed uniforms. Rogers apparantly favored a leather cap with a steel plate which became also uniform for his officers.
These units were involved in other campaigns up to the time of the Revolution but were greatly mistreated and disregarded by the British, and actually some of the rangers were among early volunteers in the American Revolution at Concord and Lexington. Washington feared them being loyalists and denied thier assistance further however, so Rogers and his men returned to the British side.
The gorget was not worn in warfare, but was a dress element worn by officers and is often seen with British officers of the period. It would not seem unlikely that officers in these unique units might adopt these key items of military regalia done in thier early trademark leather. Closer examination of the cypher and devices on the piece might reveal which unit but we would need more uniform resources.
Very nice gorget Paul, and extremely unusual! Thank you for sharing it.
All the best,
Jim
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