Neddy, King of Neis Valley
This is a well-crafted sand-cast brass gorget made in a deep crescent shape that copies that of military gorgets. The face in the centre of the escarbuncle or sunburst decoration is a heraldic symbol of faith.
[1] The surfaces and suspension holes are well worn, indicating that it was handled and used often.
The style of lettering and design indicate mid-19th century. No information has been uncovered about Neddy. However, the Neis Valley is probably the Naas Valley near Tharwa, Australian Capital Territory.
Footnotes
[1] T Woodcock and JM Robinson, The Oxford Guide to Heraldry, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1988, p. 54.