| Sarge Joe | 26 Aug 2020 10:17 a.m. PST |
in each pistol bullit proof? saw one in musee d armee rmee |
Frederick  | 26 Aug 2020 10:53 a.m. PST |
In theory- it kind of depends on how close and how big the bullet Plus I think they were thought to confer an advantage in hand to hand |
 Unlucky General | 26 Aug 2020 11:46 a.m. PST |
Lance proof and sabre proof at any range would be enough for me to want to wear one. I think we need to be cautious about the definition of bullet-proof. At a given range it would have been proof against musketry and pistol shot more so than bare skin or clothing – so still an advantage. |
Old Glory  | 26 Aug 2020 12:02 p.m. PST |
I do believe that in a melee with your primary opponents-- with extremely long and extremely sharp blades slashing all about very close, where even an accidental mishap could prove very serious-- a metal covering to protect a persons major organs could prove to be very profitable and at least give some sense of security and comfort?
Russ Dunaway |
| 14Bore | 26 Aug 2020 12:49 p.m. PST |
I would think even musket proof at 50 yards possibly, and certainly sword proof.
It would be interesting to know what gauge the curass was and have a few shots at range at one. |
| Sarge Joe | 26 Aug 2020 12:53 p.m. PST |
just pistol bullit cal 12? the new style French carbri did not like yhem |
| Korvessa | 26 Aug 2020 1:16 p.m. PST |
Wasn't there an incident where it was determined that French cuirassiers (who had font & back plates) had a significant advantage over Austrians who only had front? |
| torokchar | 26 Aug 2020 1:23 p.m. PST |
And they looked cool too…… |
| Old Glory | 26 Aug 2020 2:19 p.m. PST |
However, I would wager -- based on a few surviving examples -- that they would not do much to stop a cannonball ?? Russ Dunaway |
| Rudysnelson | 26 Aug 2020 2:31 p.m. PST |
I agree with those who point out the effectiveness against lances and blades. They would intimidate lighter cavalry and militia. |
| GildasFacit | 26 Aug 2020 2:31 p.m. PST |
A cavalryman wasn't worried about a musket ball – that was fired at his horse, a much bigger target. His problem was with the pistol of his commonest opponent, enemy cavalry. A good buff coat was considered proof against a sword but not against a pistol ball fired at close range in the melee. |
| MajorB | 26 Aug 2020 2:35 p.m. PST |
Because they looked pretty! |
| Extrabio1947 | 26 Aug 2020 4:14 p.m. PST |
Isn't there a scene in the movie "Waterloo" where a young soldier is advised to aim for a cuirassier's armpit? |
| Old Glory | 26 Aug 2020 8:20 p.m. PST |
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| GROSSMAN | 26 Aug 2020 8:54 p.m. PST |
I have seen the one with a cannon ball in the shoulder at the French army museum, kind of scary. |
| advocate | 27 Aug 2020 2:48 a.m. PST |
"Did the Cuirassiers come up well at Waterloo?"
"Yes, and they went down well too". |
| Andrew Walters | 27 Aug 2020 9:11 a.m. PST |
I'm sure they had a psychological effect on the wearer and the person they were skewering. That's not nothing. |
paints brigs for the British fleet.
