Breastplates have their origins in knightly armour, specifically the gorget, which was worn to protect the neck. Improved armaments, especially muskets that could pierce steel, made traditional armour obsolete by the 17th century, although gorgets were retained to indicate military rank. Gradually, they became less associated with status and in 1830 George IV abolished their use in Britain. They continued to be worn in Australia until about 1832.

Lachlan Macquarie, posted to American and Canada in 1777, would have been familiar with both the wearing and presentation of gorgets and breastplates. The use of breastplates to reward or honour Indigenous people began when the warring British and French military leaders bestowed them on the most loyal of their Native American allies.