breastplate for identification

A Senefelder · 17th October 2012, 09:10 PM

This seems to me to be more in the manner of the 18th-19th century types seen in heavy European cavalry regiments ( actually just about every major combatant of WWI except the US still had regiments wearing breast and back plates of this style at the start of the war ). The sewn in liner and strap keepers ( the small clips at the sides and front on the breast plate along the waist line ) for keeping the waist belt in place are something seen on 17th century breast plates and through thier 18-20 century decendents but its weight does seem light for 17th century use ( some European heavy cavalry regiments worn " shot proof " thickness breast plates right up to WWI ). This may be a lighter weight later breast plate in the manner of the German cavalry pickelhubes that retained the small residual articulating ( or false ridging to give the impression of lames ) neck lames harkening back to the cavalry zischagges of the 17th century meant to convey an impression of an earlier cavalry era rather than serving a functional purpose as armour. My guess on it.

17th October 2012, 09:10 PM	#4
A Senefelder Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 214	This seems to me to be more in the manner of the 18th-19th century types seen in heavy European cavalry regiments ( actually just about every major combatant of WWI except the US still had regiments wearing breast and back plates of this style at the start of the war ). The sewn in liner and strap keepers ( the small clips at the sides and front on the breast plate along the waist line ) for keeping the waist belt in place are something seen on 17th century breast plates and through thier 18-20 century decendents but its weight does seem light for 17th century use ( some European heavy cavalry regiments worn " shot proof " thickness breast plates right up to WWI ). This may be a lighter weight later breast plate in the manner of the German cavalry pickelhubes that retained the small residual articulating ( or false ridging to give the impression of lames ) neck lames harkening back to the cavalry zischagges of the 17th century meant to convey an impression of an earlier cavalry era rather than serving a functional purpose as armour. My guess on it.