WWI German Sniper “Gesichtsmaske” Armor Face Plate

The German World War I sniper face shield, commonly known as an “elephant plate” or “Gesichtsmaske“, was constructed of heavy steel to protect marksmen in trench warfare. It features two narrow horizontal vision slits and a distinctive side cutaway aperture designed to let the wearer brace and aim a rifle from the shoulder. The face shield is approximately 12 inches long by 10-1/2 inches wide. The surfaces exhibit age patina and surface rust. Overall the shield is in very good field used condition.