Code: 55855
A scarce original First World War Royal Flying Corps / Royal Naval Air Service face mask in good condition.
This pattern of face mask was worn by pilots and observers during the Great War and is noted as one of the patterns used on page 27 of Greer and Harold's flying clothing book as illustrated in the last slide here. It is made from a soft, vegetable tan coloured leather which is typical in colouring of Great War British flying clothing. The reverse is made from chamois leather to cushion it against the face and the original owner has added his name ink (picture 4). The mask is held onto the head with a series of straps which feature elastic sections. There are two eye holes and an opening for the nose and mouth which are one hole rather than two. This is either a variation of the one shown in the picture or altered by the original owner.
The overall condition is very good with only limited signs of age and use. It displays very well with some loss of elasticity to the elastic.
A very rare piece of RFC /RNAS flying clothing for the First World War which would make an excellent addition to any collection.
