Everyone has been spot on, but I was under the impression it was from the breast plate, not a piece to protect the throat. I am not sure but I think, in amcient armour, the throat and under the arms were some of the only chinks in the armour, so to speak.

Seeing those pics, always makes me want to jump back in with a vengence. Let me tell ya though, Todd knows this, wearing full regimentals here in the south is murder. we actually had reenactors fall from heat stroke durning reenactments at Cowpens and such places.