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Title Prussian breast plate (cuirass)
Nationality German
Period 18th century
Sold

This clean example is marked 'A & E Holler, Solingen', very probably a retailer's mark, Holler being an early 19th century firm of arms dealers and sword cutlers. Its construction suggests a date nearer to 1760 than later. They were, in any case, proscribed (specifically forbidden) in 1790 by the Prussian army.

It has the characteristic musket proof (dent in the front). Musket proofing was done from the early 17th to late 18th century to test the strength of the armour. This type of breast plate was worn without a back plate, simply with two buff leather cross straps which started from a leather waist belt at the back of the trooper's body. An almost identical one to this, with buff leather cross straps for support, leather padded edges and long side hooks, is on display, dated 1760, at the Wehrgeschichtliches (War History) Museum Schloss Rastatt, Upper Rhine, Germany, together with carbine, saddle and boots.

This plate now has a nice even grey tone colour, the bulk of the rust having been removed. To polish it bright, only half an hour's work with steel wool and a carborundum polishing paste (such as Solvo Autosol) would be necessary.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Militaria : Armour : German : 18th Century]

testimonials

Today I received your flag. It's very nice and looks genuine to me. Beautifull crisp colors! It looks barely used. It's a nice addition to my ww2 collection. I would even say, one of my top pieces.

Thanks for your excellent service and top communication!

I will check your site more often to see if you have more nice pieces.

R D, The Netherlands, 21.04.2018

Thanks very much for the bayonet. I am very happy, I think your photos of your items are great because nothing is hidden and you can clearly see them. (Unlike some other dealers.) Everything was as you describe, I will be keeping a eye on your site for any further bayonets for my collection.

S W, UK, 10.01.2013

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