Armoured breast plate ID please

Ken Maddock · 20th November 2014, 07:59 PM

Hi All

I just purchased this breast plate from a local estate auction,

What I think I have is a breastplate from the 17th century, it is of typical
Peascod design.

It weighs in at a hefty 4.5kg, (10 lb) the dimension are as follows:

height from waist to bottom of neck -37 cm
max height 44 cm

width from armpit to armpit 46 cm, shortest distance across breast is 25cm

The front of the breast plate is in fantastic condition with a great patina
and a very good smooth finish

A makers mark (I think) is stamped at the neck but I can make out no detail

One proving shot dent on the right side of the central ridge

The back of the plate is of a rough hammered finish and has been varnished
in the past so it has an unusual colour in the picture.

There are remnants of the studs on the inside of the armour for both the
shoulder straps but these studs are now gone.

On the edges near the arm pits there is some evidence of lamination.

So questions is this a genuine piece as far as you can tell, and if so could
you give an estimation of country of origin and age.

The item was purchased in Ireland.
Any advice or comments welcome, i got this at a stupid price so if there are uncomfortable truths to be learned I can take it
regards and thanks to all
ken

20th November 2014, 07:59 PM	#1
Ken Maddock Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Ireland Posts: 104	Armoured breast plate ID please Hi All I just purchased this breast plate from a local estate auction, What I think I have is a breastplate from the 17th century, it is of typical Peascod design. It weighs in at a hefty 4.5kg, (10 lb) the dimension are as follows: height from waist to bottom of neck -37 cm max height 44 cm width from armpit to armpit 46 cm, shortest distance across breast is 25cm The front of the breast plate is in fantastic condition with a great patina and a very good smooth finish A makers mark (I think) is stamped at the neck but I can make out no detail One proving shot dent on the right side of the central ridge The back of the plate is of a rough hammered finish and has been varnished in the past so it has an unusual colour in the picture. There are remnants of the studs on the inside of the armour for both the shoulder straps but these studs are now gone. On the edges near the arm pits there is some evidence of lamination. So questions is this a genuine piece as far as you can tell, and if so could you give an estimation of country of origin and age. The item was purchased in Ireland. Any advice or comments welcome, i got this at a stupid price so if there are uncomfortable truths to be learned I can take it regards and thanks to all ken Attached Images