Blake/Lesesne Gorget

3D Model

Silver gorget of a captain of the 2nd South Carolina Regiment, c. 1779. Engraved on the face is a tree trunk with a Phrygian cap on top marked “Liberty.” Below it hangs a drum at an angle with a horizontal saber behind it. The design is framed by crossed rifles and bayonet and a pair of crossed lances with streamers. Below it is a banner marked with the Latin phrase “LIBERTAS POTIOR VITA,” which translates, “Liberty is more important than life.” Lightly engraved on the back, one can find the signature of Captain Lesesne.

Courtesy of The Charleston Museum, Charleston, South Carolina