In a preliminary study we investigated the metal characteristics of Harquebusier breastplates. The main body is ferrite (source bloomery iron). The object shows corrosion in the form of wustite and magneetite. Cementite has been found on the top and the middle in deminishing quantities, indicating carbonisation of the steel. We propose to characterize the full breast plate in order to find out if the carnonization is accident or that it represent an intentional treatment. The influence of bullet inpact on the steel will be studied near the impact areas. The results will be compared with the available metallurgical data and neutron radiogarphy and tomogarphy.