Canadian Military Collectors Forum

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Canadian Military Collectors Forum

Comprehensive Forum of Canadian Armed Forces History & Militaria


3 posters

    WWI Tankers Mask

    jholl72
    jholl72
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    Posts : 949
    Join date : 2009-11-24
    Age : 52
    Location : Ontario, Canada

    WWI Tankers Mask Empty WWI Tankers Mask

    Post by jholl72 Sun May 01, 2011 9:08 am

    This is a WWI tankers mask I picked up at an auction. It was listed as an 19th century stone cutters mask so I was hoping to get it on the sly, but there were a few people there who knew what it was.LOL

    WWI Tankers Mask 2005_011
    WWI Tankers Mask 2005_012


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    Jeff
    George G
    George G
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    Posts : 72
    Join date : 2011-10-26

    WWI Tankers Mask Empty Re: WWI Tankers Mask

    Post by George G Thu Oct 27, 2011 10:55 pm

    Can you explain it's purpose? Head out of the turret protection?
    jholl72
    jholl72
    Administrator


    Posts : 949
    Join date : 2009-11-24
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    Location : Ontario, Canada

    WWI Tankers Mask Empty Re: WWI Tankers Mask

    Post by jholl72 Fri Oct 28, 2011 8:19 am

    The mask is an anti-spalling mask. Remember tanks weren't built the same in WWI as they were in later years with heavy armour.
    When a bullet struck the outside of the tank it would send metal and paint fragments flying on the inside of the tank. These masks were used to protect against that flying debris.
    They were not very popular with the crews as they caused vertigo and are heavy and hot. I have yet to find a period photo of one in wear and only a couple with the masks pictured hanging around a neck or being held in hand.


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    Jeff
    sarge5020
    sarge5020
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    Posts : 124
    Join date : 2011-03-19
    Age : 62
    Location : Windsor, Ontario

    WWI Tankers Mask Empty Re: WWI Tankers Mask

    Post by sarge5020 Fri Oct 28, 2011 1:06 pm

    Oh you lucky beast. A find like that makes an armoured collector green with envy. Great find!

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