Soldier front cover

[Snowman]

I have this kind of iron soldier front cover.

It has been found in a swamp on the southern Estonian / Latvian border.

Does anyone know what time this could be. And which army used.

Notice the difference in the shape of the hand openings. Was it a form required to use a weapon? Sword? Or maybe a spring?

Long time away I saw similar- and there was I stamp- circle and inside cross- similar to a card deck cross.

regards...Snowman

[corrado26]

I think this is German, First Woldwar and used in the trenches.

[Snowman]

Hmm?

Looks diffrent?

(Picture borrowed from "Pinterest")

[Victrix]

Armour used by machine gunners apparently. Perhaps it accounts for the enlarged arm opening on the right hand side? Otherwise I speculate it could be to swing and throw stick grenades.

[David R]

As soon as WW1 was mentioned I thought that was it. Local made rather than a factory job perhaps. A large arm hole to allow a rifle butt to fit on the shoulder.

[Snowman]

Maybe it's like that.

Those holes at the edge of the neckline and hand openings look like it had something riveted in it too- some kind of collar and sleeves?

Those metal fasteners are not original - this may have been stacked, perhaps with leather +rivets.

Well-was what was-an interesting piece of history this too.