Laminated cuirasses appeared in Italy during the first quarter of the 16th century but by the turn of the 17th century its use was mostly confined to central and Eastern Europe, more specifically Poland where it was often worn by Hussaria heavy cavalry. This type of armor was also called anima or anime (from the Italian word “soul”) in that it was sometimes concealed under a garment, like a soul within the body. The buckles on this armor are original, however, the original strapping would have been tanned darker than these replacements. This armor would have been worn with heavy leather knee-high boots or just shoes.
