I've seen British Officers wearing a gold plate around their neck in a few shows I've watched. The plate is a sort of crescent shape facing upwards. It is worn by higher ranking individuals. I wanted to learn a bit about them, but was unable to find what they were called from google. Captain Chesterfield from Frontier is one character that wears one. Can someone tell me exactly what they are?
It's called a 'gorget'! Originally it was a large plate that protected the neck, chest and upper back in late medieval times. It would eventually develop more into it's smaller, crescent shape in the mid-17th century, dropping the backplate and neck part entirely.
In the late 18th century (which I think is when Frontier takes place) it ended up being worn by upper ranking officers as a sign of authority. They were often made from silver or silver gilt. By 1830, it would be removed from the British Army entirely.
Sources: Oakes-Jones, H. "The Evolution of the Gorget. Part Three: 1650-1800." Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research (1922).
(edit: sometimes i forget words in my sentences)