Rare WWI US Army Wilmer Splinter Goggles

A scarce example of one of the attempts at providing effective body armor to the soldiers of the American Expeditionary Force. They were developed for the military by eye specialist Colonel W. Holland Wilmer. The front of the goggles retain their original olive green paint. The rear padding has deteriorated with age. The side springs, which were used to attach the shield to the soldier’s helmet, remain in place. These Wilmer goggles are discussed and illustrated in the book “Helmets and Body Armor in Modern Warfare” by Bashford Dean, Copyright 1977, pages 235-236.