Breast plate from a suit of armour possibly dating back to the 15th century. The breast plate is decorated with a floral pattern like the “mantling”, or drapery, of a coat of arms. The decorative design is completed by a knight in a full suit of armour and a mythical phoenix.
The breast plate was covered in a heavy layer of red iron corrosion which was disfiguring the surface of the armour and if left could have led to extensive damage.
For the purpose of this display the corrosion has been removed from one half of the breast plate, and it has been left in place on the other half in order to highlight the difference. The corrosion will be completely removed from the breast plate when the armour is removed from this display.