Breastplate
Author: Unknown
Origin: Germany
Dating: 15th century
Material: Iron
Dimensions (cm): 42 x 37,5 x 20
Inv. no.: PD1086
Breastplates or chestplates, designed for the defence of the torso, were essential elements on a suit of armour. They protected the front part of the torso and were originally composed of a single plate of iron or steel. Conceivably, at a very early age, they were used as chainmail reinforcements.
So that the wearer of the armour would not cut himself with his own breastplate, the edges were turned outwards, which also reinforced the resistance on the edges.
