Rare French WWI Torso Body Armor

The torso armor is constructed of four separate steel plates of varying sizes which are held together by two heavy cotton wearing straps which are riveted to the rear of the plates. The total weight of the armor is approximately 4 pounds, with an overall length of about 19 inches. The upper plate is marked with the stamped number '444', which may be a designation of the hardness of the plate on the Brinell scale. The armor shows use, with areas of wear and light surface rust. One of the two wearing straps has separated on the back from the two upper most plates, and that same strap shows some deterioration such that at one spot it is worn approximately half-way through. However the armor set as a whole is complete and intact.