18TH CENTURY NAVAL BREASTPLATE

15” height of heavy rolled iron. Formed with a medial ridge and surmounted by an iron cross, centered and bolted inside. The borders rolled with chisel cut edges. The perimeter with holes for attachment of the protective liner. The use of breastplates in the 18th century was largely limited to officers. Naval officers were particularly prone to wearing armor for protection against small arms fire and timber splinters.  See Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution, Neumann, p. 15 for John Paul Jones’ breastplate.  Officers were always targeted, often by snipers. The surface of this example is blackened with tar or a similar preservative which accords with service at sea. Where it was used is unknown. The cross might suggest a connection to the church. The Papal States maintained a navy in the 18th century, primarily to protect the coast against Barbary pirates.