WW1 German 'Stirnpanzer' Brow Plate

A rare opportunity to own a fabulous piece of Great War trench armour this being the helmet brow plate or 'Stirnpanzer' as it was known then by its official title.
Produced from 1916 onwards ( The same time as the M16 helmet ) it was designed as a form of armoured , frontal protection shield that could be fitted onto the front of the German steel helmet for wear by troops during trench fighting or in static positions etc. Due to its weight it was not a popular item of equipment . With a thickness of 5-6mm it was proposed that one in twenty helmets be fitted with them.
This piece still has a very good proportion of its original green factory paint to both inside & out . Having both of its original securing straps both are aged but have survived in very good condition. Made of black leather they were secured to each end with two double rivets as can still be seen here. The adjustment side shows the impractical large number of holes which is very typical of the strap for the brow plate. On examination of the brow plate itself the securing & vent lug holes have been roughly cut into each side with this being 'fettled' to remove any sharp edges afterwards. There is further evidence of fettling with grinding tools to smooth down the rough edges of the plate after pressing. It is interesting to note the distinct bell type 'ring' of the plate when hung up and tapped. A faint number & letter marking 'R1' can be seen to inside top edge , this is a known mark differing from the sometimes encountered bell or 'RV' mark to bottom corner. This marking has been recorded before on other examples however is yet unattributed.
A rare & complete iconic piece not often encountered in todays market.

Code: 15024