This breastplate is of peascod form. The peascod (pea pod) form is derived from Men's costume fashion of the later half of the 16th century. There are etched bands of Pisan style decoration radiating outward from bottom center and there are two embossed volutes near the top center that show a male and female form. The neck is turned and boldly roped. There is a single skirt plate with a simple line engraving. The backside has "448:19" painted in small red letters. Provenance: The William Ashby Collection

Fair, the breastplate has a mostly bright appearance with the slightly faint etching remaining dark. The skirt plate has a dark aged patina with some minor pitting. The male and female in the volutes are indiscernible. Missing gussets and the fauld is a replacement. There is a 2 inch long crack at the bottom center and some scattered minor dings and scratches overall. A very desirable example of 16th century Italian craftsmanship!