Western Europe, France, ca. late 18th to early 19th century CE. A forged-iron cuirass breast and back plate fastened together with brass and leather straps to create nearly impenetrable armor of a hefty form with a thick lower flange. The shoulder straps consist of segmented brass plates with "scales" and perforations on the fastener ends to secure to the large brass rivets on the breast plate. Leather straps are riveted to the lower sides of the back plate, and the interior is lined with a cotton cloth padding attached via a brass wire that runs around the neck and the semicircular arm grooves. This cuirass saw some type of military action- as evidenced by the musket ball sized indentation on the breast plate just above the flange! Despite the battle scars, this is a remarkably well-preserved example of armor used during the Napoleonic era! Size: 13" L x 13" W x 16" H (33 cm x 33 cm x 40.6 cm); 17" H (43.2 cm) on included custom stand.

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.

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s

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#170514

Great condition with age and military use related wear. Cotton lining is fraying and tearing, with loose areas. Musket ball indentation on lower front of breastplate. Patina and toning throughout.