This classic set was the type carried by French heavy cavalry (ie the cuirassiers) through the Napoleonic Wars, from the late 18th to the mid-19th centuries. They would have been worn with the cuirassier helmet, a heavy sword and a pair of pistols.
The breastplate is arsenal marked and dated 'Klingenthal 1829', along with unit marks, all engraved in the italic scipt of the era. The backplate has a different arsenal and date: Chatellerault, March 1852, with unit marks.
The breastplate (bullet proof) weighs just over 5 kilos, the backplate a mere 1.75 kilos! The shoulder straps, waistbelt and lining are missing. Only two of the lining hooks remain on the backplate. The shoulder strap studs are missing, along with another brass stud from the neck of the breastplate. Both interiors have a black preservative finish.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Militaria : Armour : French : 19th Century]
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