WWII Soviet Body Armor SN-42 Steel Breastplate / from Stalingrad

Product description

A legendary, battle-tested, and 100% authentic piece of WWII Red Army equipment. This is an original Soviet SN-42 (Stalnoi Nagrudnik 1942) steel breastplate, the famous precursor to modern body armor.
This specific cuirass was recently recovered from the ground in the vicinity of Gumrak Airfield (Volgograd / former Stalingrad, Russia), a key focal point of fierce clashes during the winter of 1942–1943.
Historical Analysis & Context:
Introduced in 1942, the SN-42 armor was primarily issued to elite Soviet Assault Engineers (SHISBr)—specialized shock troops known as the “cuirass infantry” who led brutal close-quarters and urban operations. Made from 2mm thick high-quality steel (type 36SGN), the two-piece segmented design protected the soldier’s vital organs and groin against shrapnel, bayonet attacks, and 9mm submachine gun fire (such as the German MP-40).
Condition:
• Uncleaned / Honest Relic: The breastplate has only been washed with clean water. No acid treatment (no cleaning chemicals) has been applied. It preserves its genuine battlefield look and authentic age patina.
• Structural Integrity: The steel remains remarkably solid, heavy, and firm. Both the upper torso plate and the lower groin plate are present, showing natural combat/burial wear and pitting without losing their structural shape. A portion of the connecting wire/bracket remains attached at the bottom.
An absolute centerpiece for any high-end WWII Eastern Front collection, museum display, or historical exhibition.