Breastplate. Culture: German. Dimensions: H. 18 1/2 in. (46.8 cm); W. 14 1/2 in. (36.7 cm); D. 6 1/4 in. (16 cm); Wt. 6 lb. 4 oz. (2832 g). Date: ca. 1500-10.This simple but well-made breastplate for infantry use is remarkable for the technique of its ornamentation, the main plate being recessed, or sunken, rather than embossed with a design, and for the nature of the ornament, a large star that may be a pious reference to the star of Bethlehem, or perhaps a heraldic reference to the coat of arms of a family or city. The contours of the star are emphasized by engraved lines. No breastplate with a comparable decoration is known.The breastplate comprises a thick main plate, a moveable gusset plate at each armhole, and a fauld of four lames. Beneath the neck opening the upper plate is struck with a much abraded and now indistinct mark, which may have originally represented the letter "p" in Gothic script. The main plate is flanged outward and turned inward along the upper edge, to guard