A mid 19th Century French Cuiassiers Breast-plate, of steel with a slight medial ridge, rounded flange at the waist, flanged neck and turns to the other main edges. The main edges are bordered by round-headed, brass lining rivets. The exterior has blackened with age but the entire piece is in very good condition.
The breast plate is inscribed Klingenthal 1828 indicating that it was made at the royal armory in Klingenthal, France. There are some other inscriptions and marks that are illegible.
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.