A Extra rare Imperial Russian Convoy Circassian Unit Steel Bazuband, Philippe Missillier Collection

A Extra rare Imperial Russian Convoy Circassian Unit Steel Bazuband, Philippe Missillier Collection, 19th century.. This rare and historically significant steel bazuband (arm guard) was designed for enlisted men of the Circassian unit serving within the elite Russian Imperial Convoy, the personal military escort of the Tsar. Forged from robust steel, the main curved plate features clean, stylized linear and diagonal engravings. The defense is articulated via side bars and sections of interlocking chainmail rings. Sourced from the esteemed private collection of the French connoisseur Philippe Missillier, this armor stands as an exceptional testament to the specialized Caucasian-style military accessories of the 19th-century imperial guard. Furthermore, an identical example of this specific pattern is published and illustrated in the authoritative reference book Arms and Armor of the Caucasus by Kirill Rivkin (2015), on page 139 under figure 67. Displaying a wonderful deep historical patina, the principal steel plate measures approximately 30 cm in length. The item is in good condition.