A RARE VICTORIAN-ERA POLISH HUSSARS ARMOR

A complete 17th century-style Polish armor of anime type, wrought entirely by hand in the 19th century. Comprising a characteristic burgonet with finely-fluted skull, the peak fitted with an adjustable nasal, large cheek plates with embossed and pierced ear guards, and a flexible neck guard of five lames. The breastplate wrought with an integral gorget set with straps which retain the arm defenses pauldrons. Breastplate of anime type with central ridges and chamfered borders and flanged at the waist, the backplate likewise of anime type, with flared and studded border, and retaining its leather waist belt with brass buckle. With characteristic arm defenses, the pauldrons composed of seven plates each with rounded edges. Each tasset composed of six plates en suite with the pauldrons, secured by a pair of straps with en suite brass buckles. Latter 19th century. General wear and rubbing, repairs to some straps. Height of cuirass from neck to waist 44.4cm/ 47.25". Designed to fit a large frame. The Polish Hussars formed the bulwark of Christendom against the encroaching Ottoman Empire during the 16th-17th century. By adopting the arms and cavalry tactics of the enemy Turks, they turned the tide of Ottoman invasions in numerous battles, most famously at the Siege of Vienna in 1683 under King Jan Sobieski. Condition III STAND NOT INCLUDED.