Original 17th Century English Style Lightweight Mounted Trooper Vented Plate Armor Cuirass Set with Faulds – Formerly Part of the A.A.F. Tank Museum Original Items

Original Items: One Set Only. This is a lovely set of hand-forged 17th Century Cuirass Plate armor, consisting of the front and back plates as well as the “faulds” that guard the top of the hips. It is made very much in the English style, so we believe that is where it originated. It is quite lightweight compared to other examples, as it is made for mounted troops, who had to worry about being excessively top heavy. It also has small vent holes or perforations throughout the front and the back, indicating that it was most likely made for use in the “New World”, where temperatures were higher, and ventilation necessary.

The armor set has been painted black overall, and is missing the shoulder straps and buckle fittings as well. The inside is now lined with lovely velvet, which was most likely installed during the Victorian period. At the time many families wanted to look like they had a long history, and there was no better way to show this than by having a nice bit of plate armor. Overall it measures approximately 22″H x 18″W x 14″D and comes on a very nice custom wooden display stand.

We received this lovely cuirass set from the American Armoured Foundation, Inc. Tank and Ordnance Memorial Museum. This museum was established in 1981 as a non-profit charitable organization by Mr. William Gasser, who donated his private collection to the museum. Mr. Gasser’s collection was a result of his passion for educating present and future generations about the sacrifices made and the technologies gained during war. He had collected artifacts for many years before deciding to establish the museum. Mr. Gasser is still actively involved as Volunteer Director and Curator of the Tank Museum, and his knowledge of military history has been a great asset to the museum. However, after 20 years of operation, the museum had to close its doors, and we acquired this cuirass during that time.

A lovely set, ready to research and display!