Original Items: Only One Set Available. The cavalry have used armor for since ancient Greek and Roman times. In Europe in the Middle Ages full suits were used by the nobility and from the Tudor period of the 16th Century Breast and Back Plates, known as Cuirasses, were in continual use right up to the era of Napoleon III. Even today ceremonial wear includes such half armor on members of the British Household Cavalry.
Here we have some genuine battle grade French half armor, as was used during the Napoleonic Wars and famously featured during the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. This particular set was made in 1828 and 1833. The front plate is dated 1833 and was made at the royal armory at KLINGENTHAL, the rear plate made in 1828 again at the royal armory at KLINGENTHAL. This style was use through the 2nd Empire under Napoleon III and into WWI.
Modern military tactics have obsoleted both the use of this sort of body armor and of horses so these have been relegated to history. The front plate much heavier than the back plate this set comes with its brass ring shoulder straps connecting the rear and front plates. This was all business as this is full weight and must have been very awkward to wear let alone fight especially on horseback.
In nice totally original condition showing age and minor wear.