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#1 |
Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Ireland
Posts: 104
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Hi All
I just purchased this breast plate from a local estate auction, What I think I have is a breastplate from the 17th century, it is of typical Peascod design. It weighs in at a hefty 4.5kg, (10 lb) the dimension are as follows: height from waist to bottom of neck -37 cm max height 44 cm width from armpit to armpit 46 cm, shortest distance across breast is 25cm The front of the breast plate is in fantastic condition with a great patina and a very good smooth finish A makers mark (I think) is stamped at the neck but I can make out no detail One proving shot dent on the right side of the central ridge The back of the plate is of a rough hammered finish and has been varnished in the past so it has an unusual colour in the picture. There are remnants of the studs on the inside of the armour for both the shoulder straps but these studs are now gone. On the edges near the arm pits there is some evidence of lamination. So questions is this a genuine piece as far as you can tell, and if so could you give an estimation of country of origin and age. The item was purchased in Ireland. Any advice or comments welcome, i got this at a stupid price so if there are uncomfortable truths to be learned I can take it regards and thanks to all ken |
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#2 |
Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 214
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While it is clearly hand forged I don't see any open holes that would have held the pins ( most likely for 17th century ) or buckles to engage the straps that would be used to wear it. Are there rivet heads showing inside that I can't make out that may be filling in these holes?
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#3 |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 1,497
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It looks real, here is a similar example with the shoulder studs still present, described as an English Civil War Period Harquebusier's Cuirass.
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#4 |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 525
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I saw similar breastplates in the Tower of Londen last summer and that dent is indeed a shot marking.. which makes me think this is English and most likely that of the English civil war period (1640s).
The marking would be interesting to see, could you photograph this for us? I also thoughed there should be numbers within such an armour, but i only studied these items briefly. ![]() ![]() |
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#5 | |
Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 214
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The small residual peascod, somewhat ragged outer edges seen where the neck and arm openings are rolled ( i'm guessing over a heavy wire or shaped iron round stock ) and the straight break of the neck line ( meant to act as a gorget would thus obviating the need for one ) all indicate as you surmised 17th century date. I've owned several 17th c. breast plates over the years ( pics of the last one attached ) and all shared these features. The shape of the residual peascod can vary a bit. Given the point of purchase, an ECW attributation in natural to assume but English manufacture is not. The English imported large quantites of continental armour from a Europe glutted with it from The 30 Years War so it is an either or as far as point of manufacture. |
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#6 |
Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Ireland
Posts: 539
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Hi All,
I appreciate the time you have all taken to reply to my enquiry. As a new forum member who does not know a lot about such things I do not like always to be asking questions without giving much in the way of contributions. Great to get a confirmation that my hunch was correct, I have some French armour form the 1830's and the difference in weight was what made me think this might be the genuine item, for the price of 2 take out pizzas I was prepared to gamble. I have put up some pictures of the remnants of the studs and the mark on the neck for the sake of completion of the post, I do not think the mark will tell much as there is not a lot of definition. I am not much into cleaning things beyond active rust, not laziness mind you, just I question too much restoration and patina removal. However, would it be wise to remove the varnish or just leave it as part of the history of the item, I have full access to any solvents and fume hoods as I work in chemistry so if you know of any good varnish removers please advise, di chloromethane would be my first choice but am open to suggestions. Again thanks and regards Ken |
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