A Very Scarce Duplex Breastplate, 17th Century. With raised neck and medial ridge terminating in a blunt point at the waist, which dips down to the centre and has a narrow flange. The neck and arms have plain curved openings, at either side of the chest are mushroom headed studs for fastening the shoulder straps, at the waist are two flat iron belt hooks. 

External Marks:

None

Internal Marks:

The breastplate has been crudely marked, ’S M No 6’

Notes:

This breastplate appears to be of Duplex construction. 

Duplex breastplates are formed from two relatively thin sheets of wrought iron, kept separate but forged together into intimate contact over their whole extent. In many, the outer layer has flanges folded over the edges of the inner layer; in others the two layers are either riveted or hammer welded together. The intention was to create shot-proof armour without appreciable weight penalty.

Anthony de Reuck, David Starley, Thom Richardson & David Edge, `Duplex armour: an unrecognised mode of construction`, Arms & Armour, Vol. 2, no., 1, Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds, 2005.