My first breastplate. I found it at the Baltimore Arms Fair too. I managed to get it from another collector who also has a table there. It isn't really anything special, but it is a pretty decent example of its type. It has been acid cleaned (which pretty much ruins things, but it was common for a while). It really is very similar to many in Graz and it illustrates the form of a late 16th/early 17th c. munition piece very well. The buckles are a really nice example of a really cheap form.
German/Austrian (possibly Gratz) Breastplate circa 1590
Including 2 buckles at shoulders. Rolled edges at arm holes and neck, full flare at waist - used without any fauld lames. Simple peascod shape. This breastplate is relatively light and most likely sword proof and not shot proof. This item is very similar to large numbers of breastplates in the Arsenal in Graz. Its original blackened finish has been removed by cleaning with acid. Originally it would have been used with a pair of tassets suspended directly from the wide flare at the waist of the breastplate - taking the place of the fauld. The holes for the tasset straps are evident. Each tasset would have been suspended by 3 straps and buckles - the ones nearest the edge and center of the breastplate were attached by 2 rivets, the central one with a single rivet. Weight 3.5 lbs.
rough inner and outer surfaces, but roughly .050-.060 inch thick overall. [inv. num. A-15]