WW1 British 'Dayfield Body Shield' Armour

A very good set of WW1 privately purchased ‘Dayfield Body Shield’ Armour.
These small breast defences were produced for private sale by The Whitfield Manufacturing Company of London, at 21/- for the single model and 52/6 for the double as I have here.
Sewn inside their khaki drill covering were four steel panels (front and ack) joined by flexible strips, and they were sold as 'absolutely bayonet proof'.
They were invented by Francis Dayton and E.A. Whitfield, application for patent first submitted on 6 April 1915, granted 17 April 1916, for a 'shield that shall be efficient and light and capable of being comfortably worn by a soldier or other person for the protection of his body against attack by rifle fire, bayonet, lance or sword'. The double version included flexible armoured shoulder straps joining the front and rear panels.
Weighing approximately 2.7 kgs, this set is in very good condition, free from damage and with light marking in places

Code: 15022