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Auction: 26001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 302

Great War Tank Crew Face Mask, of steel and leather construction, horizontal cut steel eyelets and with chain mail front, two cotton tapes to tie behind the head, good used condition overall and a genuine example

These masks were designed to protect tank crew from shrapnel known as ‘splash’ and ‘spalling’, both of which could cause severe injuries. Hot splinters of steel and paint flakes known as ‘spalling’ resulted from damage to the internal armour when the external service was hit. ‘Splash’ was caused by bullets melting on impact with the hardened tank armour, the hot liquid metal finding its way through gaps in the rivetted and bolted plate.

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Estimate
£300 to £500

Starting price
£240