Protective face mask, United Kingdom, 1915

Made:
1915 in United Kingdom
One of two protective face masks, steel, with padded edges One of two protective face masks, steel, with padded edges One of two protective face masks, steel, with padded edges

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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One of two protective face masks, steel, with padded edges
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

One of two protective face masks, steel, with padded edges
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

One of two protective face masks, steel, with padded edges
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

One of two protective face masks, steel, with padded edges, canvas straps, possibly British, 1915.

Bright flashes from bombs and the splinters of wood and metal scattered by explosions could cause eye injuries and blindness. This face protector, with its narrow slits so the soldier could still see, was an attempt to protect the wearer from such harm. It is thought that these face masks were worn by British Army truck drivers during the First World War and were first issued in 1915.

Details

Category:
Therapeutics
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A652303/1
Materials:
steel (metal), canvas and velvet
Measurements:
overall: 75 mm x 210 mm x 68 mm, .16 kg
type:
face mask