Breastplate mid 17th c.
Breast with short peascod and central crease. Neck drawn up to a short integral collar. Neck, waist flare and arm holes rolled. Single incised line parallel to the arm holes and a single incised line at the neck which drops to a point. Inspection of the interior shows folded over edges at the sides and neck and some holes that only go part way through the breastplate. This indicates that the breastplate is an example of the relatively uncommon "duplex" construction. There is a delamination in the right side of the waist flare that appears to be a section of the outer later that is lost. This style of construction is documented in the article "Duplex armour: an unrecognized mode of construction" by Anthony de Reuck, David Starley, Thom Richardson and David Edge in Arms and Armour volume 2 number 1 - 2005. There are two internal loops riveted into the center of the waist. These are later and likely used to suspend the piece from the wall.
If you have any questions, please send them to Wade Allen
This site last updated Tue Dec 16 08:48:42 EST 2025