Description: CUIRASS, INDIA, HYDERABAD, DATED A.H. 1192 (A.D. 1778/79), STEEL, IRON The Cuirass composed of a breast and backplate of crucible steel attached at the shoulders and sides with iron hinges, the breastplate shaped as a stylised 'muscled' torso,with double engraved lines accentuating the pectorals and with sharp medium ridge. The neck and arm openings have applied iron borders with an outward rolled outer edge and serrated inner edge decorated with a row of punched dots. The border of the neck extended at the centre with a stylised palmette (damaged). The main plate is extended at each side by an iron plate to which the hinge is riveted. Riveted to the bottom edge are two narrow upward overlapping waist plates, each with a serrated edge followed by punched dots. On the upper left side of the breastplate below the shoulder is an incised Persian inscription. N.B. Bashford Dean Memorial Collection, funds from various donors, 1929, 29.158.165a, b Size: height of breastplate 46.3cm, weight 3lbs/13oz/1,733g, height of backplate 46.2cm, weight 3lbs/13oz/1620g