~ French Second Empire Complete Cuirass ~
This piece was manufactured during the July Monarchy period and reused, as many others during the Second Empire.
The front plate is stamped on the reverse with the Klingenthal factory mark and the manufacturing date 7 Bru 1832 (7 November 1832). Also another mark indicates the unit it served with and the serial number of the piece ‘1T, 1Lr, No. 1620’and ‘B’. The same serial number is stamped on the top left of the plate.
The reverse remains unmarked and has been black painted.
As can be seen in the pictures there are two layers of armour plating on each of the two sides. Underneath is the main steel body reinforced on the top with a brass plate.
The front section of the cuirass is much heavier than the back and it bears the House Bonaparte eagle in brass on a tin solar shaped backplate.
All plates are riveted in place except the Empire’s badge which is attached with two screws and washers.
The back section is attached to the front one by two leather and brass straps.
~ Dimensions ~
The front plate is 17 inches (43 cm) tall, 15 ½ inches (31.5 cm) and 8 inches (20 cm) deep.
It weighs 8 Kg.
The back plate is 16 inches (14.7 cm) tall by 14 ½ inches (37 cm) wide and 5.31 inches (13.5 cm).
It weighs 2 Kg.
The overall weight is 10 kg.
~ Condition ~
The set is in very good condition for its age.
The front plate has minimum surface rust and ageing.
The brass components remain excellent.
The back section has been painted black at one point in time in order to preserve it.
Its brass top plate aged and developer minor oxidisation but its overall condition remains good.
The two leather and brass straps are partially worn.