Scale cuirass

This scale cuirass is constructed of steel scales approximately 1mm thick (20 gauge), riveted to a black base leather. The cuirass is put on over the head and fastened at the sides with three straps and iron buckles. Scale armor is one of the oldest forms of armor. It has been common since ancient times. It's basically a layer of overlapping plates, like those found on carp scales. Such armor allows its wearer good mobility. Its manufacture and repairs were not complicated. Scale armor precedes lamellar armor developmentally, where the pieces of armor (lamellae) are much more closely connected. More information...