Cuirass backplate, ca. 19th century. Stamped "578" to interior base. Approx. 16 x 16 x 4 1/4 in. 

Much like the far less practical gorget, the cuirass was a holdover from the panoplies of Middle Ages and Renaissance knights. Though the popularity of the armor, consisting of a chest plate and backplate, dwindled in the 18th century, the efficacy of Napoleonic French cuirassier regiments would spurn a resurgence across Europe. 

This example is composed of an iron body with a dark patina and 30 brass rivets around its perimeter. One side is misshapen and the plate overall evidences battle damage, including several presumed sword slashes and a puncture apparently caused by a musket ball. While cuirasses could repel projectiles when fired upon from a distance, the armor was easily penetrable by a firearm at close range. 

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

[Napoleon, Napoleon Bonaparte, Waterloo, Battle of Waterloo, Trafalgar, Battle of Trafalgar, Wellington, Napoleonic Wars, First French Republic, First French Empire, Anglo-French Wars] [Relics, Militaria, Accouterment, Equipment, Uniforms]