Original Colonial Period King George III Gorget Given to Native Americans in Canada – dated 1814 Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. Starting in the second half of the 1700’s in Canada it became customary for individual fur Trappers and Company’s like the HUDSON BAY COMPANY to make elaborate gifts to the Native Indian Chiefs in exchange for being permitted to trap for furs on what the Indian’s considered their lands. One of the most notable gifts were copper and silver Gorgets intended to be worn around the neck just as British Army Officers did in those times. These started as almost all silver but as time passed the silver content was reduced and the main element became copper. By the 1820’s this tradition had just about been abandoned.

Here we have a rare example measuring 4″ across and 4″ tall in a scallop shape. The center bears a full coat of arms casting of the Royal house of Hanover, with the engraved initials G and R on either side, with two COIN SILVER buttons, one to each side dated 1814. The body of the Gorget is hammered copper. The front is clearly marked with the Silversmith’s mark of P.H..

PIERRE HUGUET, dit LATOUR, was born in QUEBEC in 1749 and died in MONTREAL in 1817. He started life as a Wig Maker becoming a Silversmith and led a well documented life, culminating with a significant Silversmithing business employing many artisans. A six page Internet generated biography of him and his work as one of Canada’s premier Silversmiths of the day is included with this GORGET. You can also read it at this link: Pierre Huguet Biography.

Well known but exceedingly rare to find on the commercial market, these Gorgets represent a very important part in the Canadian Fur Trade. Found in upper Eastern Canada this is in untouched and uncleaned condition and fully authentic. Ready to display!