Breastplate with marks for ID and dating.

[fernando]

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[Kmaddock]

Hi All,

I picked up these pieces just before Christmas and was delighted to find the below stamps.

It was at an Auction of old stage props!! alas I did not get at the opening price as some one else liked them, but I am happy all the same (Jim would like the Prop house using real items ;-)


The breast plate with Cromwellian army mark was covered in a thick black paint that took an age to remove. On the right of the auction lot pic.

I am delighted now that I did the work as I have positive ID now on one of of the Maker and the period as per Fernandos Friend.

I bought another 2 in the same Auction lot one which has the L mark, could it be something as easy as Large? and French Napoleonic set also.

Hope you enjoy my finds, I wish I had taken a before and after picture as there was some thick paint on the piece, all I have is auction pic included for prosperity.

Regards,

Ken

[fernando]

Great catch, Ken .

[10thRoyal]

Originally Posted by Kmaddock

I bought another 2 in the same Auction lot one which has the L mark, could it be something as easy as Large? and French Napoleonic set.

Living the dream Ken! Now you just got to pull a few helms out of that closing theater.

As for the L marking I'm having some trouble finding anything definitive. The only solid mentions I've seen is from an Allen Antiques listing for a similar cuirass that also contains other markings which states:

"Back marked with a L on the collar and the number 2188 below the right shoulder strap. The L is a common mark on English armours, but not currently attributed."

Best,
Michael