U.S. 1918 Light Body Armor Backplate

The armor backplate is constructed of four separate overlapping metal plates which are riveted together. The interior is fitted with sponge rubber cushions. Two leather shoulder straps are in place for securing the armor to the front plate and the body of the wearer, and there is also a leather cross belt to encircle the waist, although the buckle on the right side of the armor to secure the cross belt is missing. The armor is painted in the French “Horizon Blue” color. The leather straps are quite dry, and the sponge rubber padding has dried out over the last century and is largely gone. See: “Helmets and Body Armor in Modern Warfare” by Bashford Dean, 1977 Edition, Carl J. Pugliese, publisher, pages 251-253.