This is an outstanding authentic Robert Cruickshank (Montreal 1774-1809) silver cross breast plate from the Hudson Bay Company of Montreal. The piece was found to be an authentic original example by the experts at Tony Putty Artifacts and was originally collected from a private museum in Tuscany, New York and is now from the large private American Indian collection in Paris, France. The piece shows all silver construction being all handmade and stamped with unique silver infinity chain link necklace strand. At the base of the piece shows a large 6.5” by 3.25” two-barred cross which is hallmarked “RC”, “HB”, and “MONTREAL” with roll and punch engraving being held in place with the silver link. The base also shows two single-barred crosses being plainly un-engraved and touch marked at the center “RC”, held into place with single links. Then comes the two large upward curved slightly convex crescent shaped breast plates of silver showing roll and punch engraving with a four part circle and hallmark / touch marked “HB”, “RC” and “MONTREAL”, top example is 6” by 3.75” bottom example is 6.5” by 5”. Lastly above the top breast plate shows two convex (outwardly curved) heart plates being roll engraved and attaching the bottom breast plate and crosses to the top chain link strand. Each of the pieces show perforated holes which then hold the silver chain links. Robert Cruickshank is a well-documented maker of silver sterling goods during the late 1700’s to early 1800’s being active in producing and trading his pieces during 1774-1809 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He is mentioned in The Fry Site by David M. Stothers and Patrick M. Tucker confirming the above info and also stating, “Quimby 1937:21, 1958:324; Traquair 1938:6, along with Barbeau, Alberts, Webster, presumably other discovered pieces and their collection date.) This authentic example which dates to circa 1774-1809 and is truly one of only a few known authentic examples shows nice even patina and expected wear from its very early age. This piece was made by Robert Cruickshank for the Hudson Bay Company who would then trade these pieces to the American Indians of North America. Very few authentic examples exist with this being a truly authentic example, See Provenance from first two lines of description. Overall, the piece measures 29 5/8 inches long from top of necklace to bottom of the last cross by about 9 inches wide from the outside of where the two hearts sit. The necklace itself is approximately 34 inches long strung along the chain area. This is the only known full gorget breast plate example with crosses from Robert Cruickshank being of authentic age offered for public sale, a truly exciting piece.