{"product_id":"prussian-gardes-du-corps-m1897-leib-eskadron-black-parade-cuirass","title":"Prussian Gardes du Corps M1897 Leib-Eskadron Black Parade Cuirass","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA particularly fine and substantially complete Prussian M1897 black parade cuirass for Mannschaften (enlisted ranks) of the Regiment der Gardes du Corps, with desirable Leib-Eskadron issue markings and the silver-colored commemorative breast trophy introduced in 1912. The Gardes du Corps was the premier household cuirassier regiment of the Prussian monarchy and one of the most prestigious cavalry formations in the Imperial German Army. With its distinctive black armor, red edging, articulated brass shoulder scales, and elaborate commemorative breast device, this cuirass represents one of the most immediately recognizable ceremonial uniforms of Imperial Prussia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cuirass consists of matching front and back steel plates finished in deep black lacquer. Both sections measure approximately 21 inches in length, with the back measuring approximately 14 inches across the shoulders. The armor retains the pronounced sculpted form characteristic of the pattern, including the central ridge of the breast, shaped waist, and carefully formed shoulder contours. The perimeter is bordered with the distinctive red wool edging associated with Mannschaften cuirasses of the Gardes du Corps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe articulated brass shoulder scales measure approximately 17 inches long and 2 inches wide. Each is composed of overlapping brass scales mounted to a leather backing and terminates in the broad adjustment fittings used to secure the front and rear portions of the armor. The brass has developed an attractive, naturally aged patina while retaining strong definition. The surviving leather waist strap and brass buckle remain present, an important consideration as cuirasses encountered today are frequently missing portions of their original suspension and fastening equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMounted prominently at the center of the breast is the approximately 4 1\/2-inch-wide silver-colored Trophäe (trophy of arms) adopted in 1912. The elaborate device incorporates a Prussian royal crown above military standards, weapons, drums, and other martial trophies surrounding the intertwined “FR” cypher for Fridericus Rex, referring to Friedrich II, King of Prussia, better known as Frederick the Great. The dates “1712–1912” commemorate the bicentennial of Frederick's birth. Beneath the central composition appears the crowned cypher of Kaiser Wilhelm II, under whose reign the commemorative device was introduced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe silver-colored treatment of the trophy, plain brass shoulder scales, and red wool edging are consistent with a Mannschaften example rather than the more elaborate officer pattern. Officer cuirasses employed higher-grade gilt fittings and differing treatment of the edging and commemorative breast device. The present configuration therefore represents the armor as worn by an enlisted trooper of this elite regiment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior retains its natural-colored linen lining together with important original issue markings. These include “GdC,” identifying the Regiment der Gardes du Corps, the date “1897,” and the particularly desirable marking “L.E.,” identifying the Leib-Eskadron (Life Squadron). These markings provide direct regimental and squadron attribution and place the cuirass within the important 1897 issue of new black armor to the regiment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ceremonial role of the cuirass was already firmly established before this example was issued. As of May 12, 1888, the cuirass was restricted to parades and other special occasions rather than ordinary field service. In 1897 Kaiser Wilhelm II presented the entire Regiment der Gardes du Corps with new black cuirasses, preserving and revitalizing one of the regiment's most distinctive historical traditions. The 1897 issue markings on this example therefore correspond directly with this important Imperial presentation and re-equipment of the regiment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe manner in which the cuirass was worn also changed during the Imperial period. Until 1904 it was worn beneath the overcoat. After 1904 regulations changed and the cuirass was worn over the overcoat, dramatically emphasizing the black armor during mounted parades and ceremonial appearances. This change contributed to the imposing visual presentation for which the Gardes du Corps became so closely associated during the final years of the Kaiserreich.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe regiment itself traced its origins to the reign of Frederick the Great and became intimately associated with the Prussian royal household and the court at Potsdam. By the late nineteenth century, service in the Gardes du Corps carried considerable prestige, and the regiment participated prominently in royal escorts, state ceremonies, reviews, and major military parades. Its elaborate uniforms and ceremonial equipment embodied the traditions of Prussian heavy cavalry at a time when the practical battlefield role of armor had long since disappeared.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe addition of the 1912 commemorative breast trophy gave the black cuirass its final prewar appearance. The Frederick the Great bicentennial device connected the regiment's eighteenth-century heritage directly with the reign of Wilhelm II and the highly developed ceremonial culture of Imperial Germany immediately before the First World War. Only two years later, the outbreak of war in August 1914 would effectively bring the great peacetime displays of Imperial cavalry pageantry to an end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis cuirass also carries noteworthy modern collecting provenance. It was sold by Der Rittmeister Militaria to the present consignor in 2014. The consignor retained it for approximately twelve years and regarded it as the centerpiece of his collection before returning it to Der Rittmeister for sale on consignment. That documented modern ownership history adds an additional measure of continuity to an already important piece of Imperial German cavalry equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is very fine overall for an issued cuirass of this age. The black lacquer remains strong across the majority of both plates with expected scattered scratches, minor surface wear, and evidence of handling. Two localized areas of chipping are present on the back plate, with loss of the black finish exposing the underlying metal. These areas are limited and do not detract materially from the overall presentation. The red perimeter edging remains substantially complete with expected age and wear. The brass shoulder scales retain good definition and an even aged patina, while their leather backing shows expected age, surface wear, and dryness. The waist strap likewise shows age and use but remains present with its brass hardware. The interior linen exhibits age toning, scattered staining, and localized wear while retaining the significant regimental, date, and squadron markings clearly enough to document the cuirass's original issue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComplete M1897 black Gardes du Corps cuirasses are considerably less frequently encountered than individual breastplates, loose commemorative trophies, or incomplete armor components. The combination of matching front and rear armor, articulated brass shoulder scales, surviving waist strap, 1912 commemorative trophy, strong 1897 Gardes du Corps markings, and especially the Leib-Eskadron attribution makes this an especially desirable example. It is an important surviving artifact of the ceremonial world of Imperial Prussia and a centerpiece-level acquisition for an advanced collection devoted to the Prussian Guard, Imperial German cavalry, Kaiser Wilhelm II, or the Regiment der Gardes du Corps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Derrittmeister Militaria Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50583841013999,"sku":"15-42 XRR","price":11995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/9169\/5855\/files\/15-42XRR_1.jpg?v=1787793872","url":"https:\/\/derrittmeister.com\/products\/prussian-gardes-du-corps-m1897-leib-eskadron-black-parade-cuirass","provider":"Derrittmeister Militaria Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}