France, Second Empire. A 8th Regiment of Cuirassiers Steel Cuirass, 1855

The 8e Régiment de Cuirassiers was one of France’s classic heavy cavalry regiments, with a lineage reaching back to the 17th century. Offered is a matching set of body armour, in blackened steel (magnetic), in the typical period style and shape consisting of a concave front plate with central ridge and stylized rivets on the parameter, at centre is a clear strike point, matching back plate is also in steel with linked straps with single original leather band, interior bottom of plate, as is common, is the engraved details stating  " 4th Impérial de Chatellerault - 8th 1855 312T N° 330" - which denotes “4 Impérial” = 4 Imperial (lot, workshop batch, or inspection series), maker or contractor, year of manufacture: 1855, 3rd Regiment of Cuirassiers, Silvered finish, “No 330” Rack number / issue number / regimental inventory number, the set has overall surface rust, measures 35cm (w) x 40 cm (h) and is a true survivor of the Franco-Prussian war. Overall, remains in fair condition. 

Footnote:  The 8th Regiment of Cuirassiers served throughout the 19th century, including during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, when French cuirassiers made several famous but costly cavalry charges against modern rifle and artillery fire.