Western Europe, France, ca. 18th to early 19th century CE. An impressive iron breast plate that forms part of the cuirass armor worn by French calvary. The large plate has a thick lower flange, and the top curves upward to protect the shoulders. The semicircular arm grooves have flared rims with rounded, comfortable edges. The rivets near the arm grooves held a strap or chain in place, that connected the armor’s back plate. Fittingly, the French troops that wore the cuirass were known as cuirassiers. Armored calvary had a resurgence under Napoleon Bonaparte; the cuirass was a government issued piece of equipment, and there were severe consequences for the soldier if he lost his armor. A well-preserved cuirass with a heavy patina! Size: 17" L x 14" W (43.2 cm x 35.6 cm)

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection; ex-Marion Antique Auctions, Marion, Massachusetts, USA, June 2018

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#162113

Small perforation and fissure on point of lower flange. Heavy patina on verso. Modern hooks and metal chain for suspension.