DiPrete to wear gorget like knights of old

TIM MURPHY
Publication Date: January 1, 1985 Page: C-01 Section: NEWS Edition: RHODE ISLAND
Edward D. DiPrete presumably has developed thick skin in his years as a politician, but Saturday night,
during the governor's inaugural ball, he will be protected by a piece of armor as well.
Sometime during the ball, with appropriate pomp and ceremony, the Rhode Island Militia will present
the new governor with his very own gorget, a necklace that has its origins in the suits of armor worn by
the knights of old.
The gorget, a highly-polished crescent of silver suspended from a silver chain, is symbolic of the
governor's role as commander in chief of the militia, a ceremonial body that probably would not be the
first unit called if the Russians landed at Jamestown.
The necklace was made by James Breakell, a part-time silversmith who works from the basement of his
one-family brick home at 2 Russell St.
Breakell is more accustomed to making brass belt buckles shaped like snake's heads and quahog shells
than creating ceremonial garb for governors. But he gladly accepted the commission for the gorget,
seizing the opportunity to play a part in the state's traditions.
"It's not a very complicated silversmithing job but it's a nice piece," said Breakell as he modeled the
gorget for a visitor. Even against his denim shop apron, it had a distinctly regal look.
The gorget once was an essential part of every well-dressed knight's suit of armor, a circular, metal
collar that protected a knight's neck from unpleasant contact with swords, maces and lances.
When suits of armor faded from the scene, the gorget stayed on as a symbol of authority, an understated way of saying, "I'm the boss."
George Washington, as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, usually sported a gorget whenever
he gave pep talks to his troops.
Breakell made his first gorget for Governor Garrahy just after Garrahy took office eight years ago. He has
since made several bronze gorgets for officers in the militia.
Apparently, it had been understood that Garrahy's gorget would stay behind when the governor left
office, but Garrahy has decided to keep it as he returns to private life.
So Breakell was commissioned by the Rhode Island Heritage Commission to make a new gorget for
DiPrete, with the clear understanding that he pass it on to the next governor.

The gorget bears a bronze medallion with the state's seal in the center and the engraving: "Governor Captain General Commander in Chief." DiPrete's name is engraved on the back.
Breakell, a self-taught silversmith who is looking for a full-time design job that will enable him to
continue his craft on the side, said making the gorget was relatively simple. He drew a pattern on
cardboard and then traced it onto a sheet of silver.
He then cut the design out and shaped it with mallets, first on indentations gouged in a huge log and
then on a piece of metal shaped like a mushroom. After polishing the piece, he made a chain from silver
wire and a clasp shaped like an anchor, the state's symbol. The gorget is expected to cost taxpayers
about $300.
John Lauth, a member of the Heritage Commission, said DiPrete will be expected to wear his gorget
whenever he attends formal functions with the militia. The gorget is worn outside the shirt, under the
jacket.