What is this object?

[boltaction]

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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Information

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[Sarge1998]

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

[Aragorn243]

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

[browningautorifle]

civilian produced body armor.

That would make more sense than anything else...

[boltaction]

But what is it supposed to hang or attach?

[UNPROFOR1994]

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

[mmppres]

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

[Paul S.]

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.

[Aragorn243]

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

[Sarge1998]

A bit closer?