Felt chest protector, size 2, by S. Maw, Son and Thompson, London, 1870-1901

S. Maw, Son & Thompson, who made this chest protector, advertised it as a “shield for the lungs”. Other chest protectors made by the same company were used to provide warmth for the chest and help ointments and medical treatments sink into the skin. They were used to treat chest complaints such as bronchitis. Judging by the size of the jacket, which measures 260 mm wide, this was probably made for a child.