Breastplate with Tassets

Region: Europe, 15th Century

• Material: Steel 3, thickness 1.5 mm
• Finish: Matte polish
• Interior: Painted coating

In medieval armor, the breastplate forms the front section of plate armor, designed to protect the torso. Breastplates first appeared in Europe around 1340, initially crafted from wrought iron and later from steel.

Early breastplates consisted of multiple plates, covering only the upper torso, leaving the lower part unprotected until the advent of the fauld around 1370. They ranged in thickness from 1 mm to 2.5 mm. To prevent injury from sharp edges, the plates featured outwardly turned edges, which also enhanced rigidity.

In some designs, a reinforcing ridge ran down the center of the breastplate for added strength. The earliest depiction of a one-piece breastplate is found on a retable in Pistoia Cathedral, dated to 1365. By the early 15th century, complete, lightweight, one- or two-piece breastplates became widely available. The French term “pancier” influenced the English “pauncher” and the German “panzer“.