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Antique Arsenal
20th November 2019, 05:12 AM
I have recently acquired European Breast and Back Plate. The seller was not positively sure what region this item is from. Judging by the it’s condition he assumed that it dates back from late 18C to 1st quarter 19C .

As far as I knows this piece is heavy cavalry (Cuirassier) armor and it may very well be from late 18C to 1st quarter 19C . However, much of European countries were making heavy cavalry armor which were similar in design and some of these armors were used/produced up until 20th century. I thought that the markings located on the armor would narrow down my search, but I was unsuccessful to find them in my database.

I would greatly appreciate any help with identifying origin of the armor and its age. Also, I wonder if anyone recognize these markings.

corrado26
20th November 2019, 07:08 AM
The "WD" mark of the British War Department with the broad arrow makes it clear: This is a British cuirass, but because of lack of documents I am not able to date it exactly. .
corrado26

Victrix
20th November 2019, 09:57 AM
According to this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Department_(United_Kingdom), the War Department was officially named this 1855-57. Before that it was officially named something else (and stamped its property differently?).

Will M
20th November 2019, 11:29 AM
The inspection marking Crown/E/23, "E" being Enfield. Most likely a Household Cavalry cuirasse. Very nice find, wish I had one!

Antique Arsenal
21st November 2019, 02:35 AM
Thank you all for your honest opinion. I am still a bit puzzled, but at least I know what direction my research should head.
If you will have any more information about other marking, I would greatly appreciate it.

Antique Arsenal
22nd November 2019, 08:20 PM
Dear Will M, would you be able to narrow down from which time proud is this armor?

corrado26
23rd November 2019, 07:29 AM
According to this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Department_(United_Kingdom), the War Department was officially named this 1855-57. .

So the cuirass should have been made and marked during these years!
corrado26