A fine textbook example of the WW1 Tank or 'Splatter' mask .Without doubt one of those amazing pieces of Great war militaria to come out of a war that saw industry try to cope with a rapidly changing battlefield ! Almost medieval in design the mask was intended to protect crews from lethal flakes of dislodged internal armour plate known as splash which occurred when the tank was hit by enemy fire from the outside. These masks were issued to British tank crews but were also purchased by France and the US for their crews as well . This example shows hard use and natural age . The pigskin leather outer face is good with interior chamois dirty & sweat stained from heavy use. Much of the correct and important stitching remains good . There are a pair of the factory fitted long off white tie tapes both good and strong . The whole set remains in an untouched condition through out .