What is this object?

Good morning:
I have had this for several years, and recently unearthed it again in my basement. I picked it up from a legion hall in SK that was also offloading some other WWI stuff like a G98 etc. I assume this is military but don't know that it is. The photos show it well, but it is basically a breastplate with two hooks on it for hanging something, and a swinging latch which would lock to the top whatever. The plate measures 9", is curved, is quilted on the inside, and looks to be secured to the wearer by two leather straps coming off the top, presumably crossing the back, and then buckling to the side. I used to assume it might be for carrying something like a BAR or maybe a MG08/15, but that would put it across the chest which isn't too handy, (and anyway my 08/15's have no way of attaching to this) so maybe for shells or bandoliers or something? There aren't any marks on it, and I believe it to be military simply because of the construction and where I obtained it. Could be something civilian too. Thoughts?

Thanks

Ed

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It almost appears that it would be an attachment for a harness

Possibly civilian produced body armor. It was a thing back then I believe.

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Originally Posted by Aragorn243

civilian produced body armor.

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That would make more sense than anything else...

But what is it supposed to hang or attach?

If it is home or theater made, maybe the latch was part of the original object that was cannibalized to make this breastplate?

Maybr not a hatch but some thing to sit on for air service to protect the boys from flack

This is just a thought, but I wonder it it might be part of some form of cavalry tackle, or part of something used for pack animals.

I would not think they would add weight for a pack animal and steel would definitely do that.

A bit closer?

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...0Prc7Gjm-1.jpg

Close but no ceegar.
That was the armor developed by British Medical Research Council.
Better pictures and description here:
MRC body armour in Canadian use during World War II | SpaceBattles Forums

Neat read but not what the OP posted.

Maybe the metal hooks and latch weren't used to attach gear to the breastplate, but to attach the breastplate to a vehicle of some kind. Maybe part of the kit of an armoured car crew? Some had open turrets so the gunner could use some extra protection.

Agree with Paul.S,
I think its a nose protector for a horse. Initially I thought it to be the plate to cover the family jewels but then saw the other welded pieces on the plate probably used for other Cavalry bits and pieces.

I thought I read somewhere that early machine gun crews had body armor.

Nay!!!.............only joking horse related, yes there was, it was the Germans who were more advanced in body armour for machine gun crews and had a system issued to them called 'Sappenpanzer' a steel body armour and 'Stirnpanzer' brow plate for their helmets adding yet more weight to carry. It was a veritable suit of armour produced for the
MG/08, which included shields shaped to fit the water jacket.

Attach the breastplate to a vehicle and the troopie dies in the event of a simple accident.
The CEF used a shovel(MacAdam Shield-Shovel. $1.35 each x 25,000 = $33,750. $1,400 was recovered when scrapped. Typical Liberal incompetence.) with a hole in it as armour during W.W. I. One of Sam Hughes' stupid ideas. His secretary actually. Friggin' thing was no good for digging a hole either.
https://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/...600.009-e.html
Vickers MG's had splinter plates too. So did the Russian PM M1910.
Don't think horses were armoured during W.W.I.

I designed a shovel once for Military use which was velcroed to your arm and had a decent cutting edge for trees or roots on one edge. That too was deemed a silly idea, but I could fill sandbags a darn sight quicker then two men could with a normal GS shovel, especially under fire!!

The first four chapters of Anthony Saunders book, Dominating the Enemy; War In the Trenches 1914 - 1918, Sutton Publishing, Gloucestershire, 2000, ISBN 075092446, cover everything from 'defensive loopholes' to armoured shovels. The Mac Adams was a British invention and was even granted a British patent.

So was mine......................, but it was still deemed "unecessary" by those at MOD who had NEVER filled a sandbag whilst taking incoming!!.

Having been diverted from a Jungle Warfare course in Malaya in 1974 and to be told we were stopping off in Cyprus to refuel ironically and immediately after the landings by Turkish Paratroopers in the north of the Island, we were quickly sheperded off the plane to fill thousands of sandbags by hand on what was to become the GREEN LINE at Famugusta to keep the two sides apart, that is what motivated me to design the arm worn sand bag filler unit.:rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Gil Boyd

to fill thousands of sandbags by hand on what was to become the GREEN LINE

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Yes, I did that too...

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Originally Posted by boltaction

Could be something civilian too.

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Only guessing when I say part of a as issued body armor harness kit. Did read about a few different styles today. Kits may have been assembled in field from different makes and countries, using about anything you could gather.
Replies already posted are in line with the top concern..... protecting the family jewels... True Read That !
Anyway- This picture seems the closest so far to me. With your find possibly being either the front chest or back piece. If so, I'd lean toward the welded stubs and swinging latch being used to help attach gear (?)

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...onattach-1.jpg

Picture was found here:
WWI American Body Armor. - BODY ARMOR - U.S. Militaria Forum

Also to note:
Commercial versions of body armour were also available and family members took it upon themselves to buy armour for their loved ones and have it posted to them abroad.

And that was found here:
Armour for soldiers - WW1 East Sussex

I find it very interesting, only wish I could be more help.

Good Luck,


PS: A link to some WWII gear. Possible any of this was left over from WWI ? Or Re-designed for WWII ?
MRC body armour in Canadian use during World War II | SpaceBattles Forums

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../gYAMo1J-1.jpg

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Originally Posted by painter777

This picture

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I wonder ho much this guy weighed with all that on? He wouldn't have moved far in the mud of France during WW1 with all that...