First appearing in the late 15th Century, the cuirassier, an armored, pistol armed cavalryman, was part of European militaries up until World War One. Two such units remain active in France. Secured with a leather belt at the midsection and a pair of leather backed chain straps going over the shoulder with brass panels to connect to a set of brackets on the front piece. A series of hooks are present around the inside for attaching a liner or padding. Stamped "388" on the left side near the front, with "406" and "W-403" painted on the inside, "1T. 1L" and "406" stamped near the bottom edge, and signed "genthal, Jlit 1827", possible indicating production in Klingenthal in the Bas-Rhein Commune.

Good, with some spotting and rust on the surface, a brown patina forming overall, particularly on the inside. Traces of the leather straps remain, and the brass shows a mixed patina and mild dents.