ULTRA RARE WW1 IMPERIAL GERMAN ARMY FACE MASK FOR HELMET. KRUPP
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:502962 | Issued/ Not-Issued: Issued |
| Country/ Organization: Germany | Service: Army |
| Country/Region of Manufacture: Germany | Type: Personal Gear |
| Conflict: World War I (1914-1918) |
Here is an extremely rare and original Imperial German Army Face Mask for fitting to the German M16 steel helmet. It is in very good condition with surface rust and traces of original paint remaining, and attaches to an M16 helmet securely. During WW1 many nations experimented with facial armour in determined attempts to adapt to the industrialised warfare and reduce their casualty rates. This is one such item in this category and of exceptional rarity, made by the famous Krupp company... who produced much of Germany’s armour. The Krupp three-ringed “Ballentine” mark is stamped in one corner, please see the photographs. I have shown other examples of experimental facial armour in the final photographs. As with other personal armour, facial armour proved effective for many roles. General Erich Ludendorff endorsed and wrote of the benefits of personal armour for sentries, listening posts, garrisons of shell holes, gun teams of machine guns scattered over the ground etc. Even so, it was not universally issued. It is impossible to know how many of this type were issued but it would have been low in number with very few surviving now. Most armour of all types ended up being smelted late or post war. This is a very rare chance to own a scarce helmet accessory.Please Note: I stand by all of my listings as described, this item is totally period original. The M16 helmet shown is NOT included in the auction. Please feel free to ask for more photographs.
