Soldier front cover
 

I have this kind of iron soldier front cover.

It has been found in a swamp on the southern Estonian / Latvian border.

Does anyone know what time this could be. And which army used.

Notice the difference in the shape of the hand openings. Was it a form required to use a weapon? Sword? Or maybe a spring?

Long time away I saw similar- and there was I stamp- circle and inside cross- similar to a card deck cross.

regards...Snowman

I think this is German, First Woldwar and used in the trenches.

Hmm?

Looks diffrent?

(Picture borrowed from "Pinterest")

Armour used by machine gunners apparently. Perhaps it accounts for the enlarged arm opening on the right hand side? Otherwise I speculate it could be to swing and throw stick grenades.

As soon as WW1 was mentioned I thought that was it. Local made rather than a factory job perhaps. A large arm hole to allow a rifle butt to fit on the shoulder.

Maybe it's like that.

Those holes at the edge of the neckline and hand openings look like it had something riveted in it too- some kind of collar and sleeves?

Those metal fasteners are not original - this may have been stacked, perhaps with leather +rivets.

Well-was what was-an interesting piece of history this too.