Terence Stamp: A World War I leather and chainmail tank 'splatter' mask, circa 1920, steel face mask, with pierced steel eye slits, a fabric strap to secure the mask, and a chain mail skirt suspended from the bottom of the mask to protect the lower face, 6 1/2in (16cm) wide Footnotes: Officially approved on 9 July 1917, the face mask design was given the classic British War Office nomenclature description of 'Goggles, Steel, with chain mail for use in Tanks'. The mask consisted of two steel curved plates plus a nose section covered in leather, below which hung chain mail to protect the mouth and chin. It featured horizontal eye slits in the steel and two cotton ties to secure around the wearer's head. These masks were designed to protect tank crew from shrapnel known as 'splash' and 'spalling', both of which could cause severe injuries. Hot splinters of steel and paint flakes known as 'spalling' resulted from damage to the internal armour when the external service was hit. 'Splash' was caused by bullets melting on impact with the hardened tank armour, the hot liquid metal finding its way through gaps in the rivetted and bolted plate. Provenance: From The Terence Stamp Collection. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing