Heavy cavalry regiments, or cuirassiers, remained equipped with breast and back plate armour well into the age of gunpowder, valued for the genuine protective edge it offered in cavalry melee and against the bayonets of opposing infantry, even as its usefulness against firearms declined. Austrian heavy cavalry of the Napoleonic era wore burnished steel cuirasses reinforced with brass-plated fittings, a style shared in broad strokes with the French, Prussian and Russian heavy cavalry of the same period. This reproduction recreates that early 19th-century cuirassier form, fully wearable for re-enactment or costume use.
Austrian Cuirassier Armour, Napoleonic Era Style
This burnished steel cuirass, reinforced with brass-plated metal, is styled after the armour worn by heavy cavalry regiments of the Austrian army during the Napoleonic Wars. Cuirassier regiments across the major European powers wore breastplates of this kind into the early 19th century, one of the last widespread uses of body armour on the battlefield before it faded almost entirely into ceremonial dress. Fully wearable, this reproduction suits both historical re-enactment and general costume use.
Related products
-
The single-piece steel breastplate emerged through the second half of the 14th century, replacing the coat of plates and mail hauberk as the standard torso defence of the late medieval knight.
This reproduction recreates that classic single-plate silhouette in 18-gauge mild steel, sized generously for a 56-inch chest, in an unadorned standard pattern without additional decoration or heraldic marking.
Deepeeka’s reproduction offers a versatile, undecorated base for a full harness build, part of our Medieval heritage range.
-
The lorica segmentata is the most recognisable Roman military armour, its overlapping horizontal plates giving rise to the modern name meaning simply “armour in pieces.” Three main archaeological types are known — the early Kalkriese pattern from the site of the Varus disaster of 9 AD, the classic Corbridge type identified from a hoard found near Hadrian’s Wall in 1964, and the simplified, mass-produced Newstead pattern of the mid-2nd century onward. This reproduction follows the Corbridge form, the best-documented and most commonly reconstructed type, adjustable to fit chest sizes from 38 to 46 inches.
-
Economy Steel Bracers, Pair
SKU: A015Bracers, or arm guards, protected the forearm while keeping it light and mobile enough for archery, swordwork, or general combat use. This economy pair offers solid steel protection at a lighter build than our heavier arm protection sets, suited to wearers prioritising mobility. Simple strap fastenings allow a quick, secure fit over a gambeson or arming sleeve.
-
Templar Breastplate, Hand-Engraved Cross
SKU: AH4373The Knights Templar, the medieval military religious order founded to protect pilgrims to the Holy Land, remain among the most recognisable figures of medieval military history, their cross a lasting visual symbol.
This breastplate is crafted from 18-gauge steel with a hand-engraved cross, fitted and adjusted to the torso with a pair of antiqued brass buckles and leather straps that cross-hatch across the back when worn.
Deepeeka’s reproduction recreates that Templar-styled breastplate, part of our Medieval heritage range.
