WW1 German 'Sappenpanzer' Trench Armour

A rare & totally original complete set of WW1 German trench armour this being the second model coming into service not long after the introduction of the first model in 1916.An iconic piece of WW1 trench equipment these second types were a slight improvement on the first model allowing better freedom of movement around the armpit area in a firing position. Upon close examination the armour bears traces of its chemically blackened finish over which much of the factory applied field grey paint still remains. The lightly scaled finish of the metal shows only light corrosion in places this testament to the highly skilled heat treatment of the metal duringits manufacture . The slightly raised medial ridge of the breast plate is another indication of its later type this being an improvement from the previous bulbous chest design. The slotted strap brackets to the chest plate are intact with its original webbing straps being held in place to the lower plates by the use of heavy staple stitches. The felt pads , intended to reduce noise, are attached by the same webbing straps with double rows of stitching.Overall a very rare piece to find and coming from a large European collection we are currently purchasing.