Vintage WWI U.S. Army Gen George S. Patton Calvary Saber Fencing Mask Model 1916

Description

Vintage WWI U.S. Army General George S. Patton Calvary Saber Fencing Mask Model 1916.  Mask covers the head from the crown forward, including the ears on the sides.
It features a covering made of fine mesh steel wire, the spacing of which is much greater in front
so as not to obstruct vision. There is soft leather-lined padding along the top and cheeks, and a
quilted upper chest and throat protector extending five inches below the chin.
Leather straps with metal buckles are used to fasten the device to the wearer's head, along with
a spring-loaded pad that secures it in the back.  One strap in the back has broken off.
This is NOT General Patton's helmet.  It is the style he would have worn for sword fencing practice.
This mask is in pretty good condition.  I
nterior/throat protector padding/leather shows some wear and staining.
Mask measures approximately 18" from top to bottom of chest pad.  Approximately
10" wide and 9" deep.  Weighs just about 4 pounds.
See pictures for more detail.
Although the primary weapon for an American Infantry soldier since the Revolutionary War has always been a firearm, swords were once an important secondary defense when hand to hand combat became necessary.  Before the proliferation of automatic and semi-automatic guns, firing rates were much slower and soldiers could find themselves in close encounters with the opposition. While enlisted infantry typically had bayonets to use in these situations, officer's usually relied upon swords to defend themselves.  As such, soldiers had to be instructed in the skillful use of these weapons. The Civil War was the last major conflict in which infantry officers regularly engaged in hand to hand combat, but the Army continued to train them to fight with swords well into the 20th Century.  Masks such as this artifact were used during the fencing training where an officer would learn these techniques.
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