Authentic 18th Century Plate steel European cuirass, constructed of a separate breastplate and backplate, with the latter attached to the former by means of an adjustable leather strap at each shoulder, protected by riveted steel plates, and with an adjustable leather waist belt. The inside of the backplate bears a large numeral "7", likely an old auction or collectorÓs accession number. Likely German Armor. The use of the cuirass as a military accoutrement has an extremely long history, from ancient Greek and Roman times all the way through to use by German and French heavy cavalry up to the beginning of World War I. Based on this exampleÕs use of machine-made rivets and buckles, we believe this armor to date from the 18th Century. Shows minor surface oxidation overall, with no active rust apparent, and the leather belts shows minor wear but remain supple, else very good.

Very Good + Condition. Shows minor scattered surface oxidation, with no active rust apparent. The leather belt straps show minor wear but remain supple, else very good.

28 x 24 x 19 in